Philosophy (from the Tarocchi, series C: Liberal Arts, #28)

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.

Credit: Dudley P. Allen Fund