2-730-227 - Heritage Art/Heritage Images

Geometry (from the Tarocchi, series C: Liberal Arts, #24), before 1467. Conceptually, the liberal arts descended from classical antiquity, and represented knowledge or skills considered necessary to participate in a free society. These four personifications of liberal arts are from a set of 50 engravings depicting philosophical concepts and elements of the world. Although they are called Tarocchi , the prints differ from traditional tarot cards in that they were more likely devised by a humanist scholar for educational purposes. Philosophy appears as Athena, goddess of war and wisdom; her shield bearing Medusa’s head could turn any opponent into stone. Poetry sits crowned with a laurel wreath next to a Greek Castalian font, believed by poets to be a source of inspiration.