In this engraving, Scientia (representing wisdom) appears as a seated woman in flowing garb, with a tablet on her lap and a pair of dividers in her hand. The “H. G.” monogram in the lower left is that of Hendrick Goltzius (1558-1617), the prolific and accomplished Dutch engraver, print publisher, draftsman and painter who created the image, probably after his trip to Rome in 1590. Jan Saenredam (1565-1607), an engraver who worked in Goltzius’ studio, probably engraved the plate. Similar images from the same set represent two other virtues: diligence and patience.
Ref: Huigen Leeflang, et al., Hendrick Goltzius (1558–1617): Drawings, Prints and Paintings (Zwolle: Waanders, 2003), vol. 3, pp. 195-196, 200-201.
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