Spiritus Scientiae (Spirit of Knowledge)

Resource added
Sepia-toned reproduction of woman on a pedestal wearing a leafy crown and holding set of scales. From her neck hang a heart and key. Latin text below. 
Adriaen Collaert (Flemish, 1560–1618) after Maarten de Vos (Flemish, 1532–1603)

from the series Dona Spiritus S[ancti] (The Seven Gifts of the Holy Spirit), ca. 1595 [?]. Engraving, 25.3 x 155.5 cm. © The Trustees of the British Museum, 1930, 0414.77. New Hollstein 1065.

Full description

Standing in a niche, the personification of the Spirit of Knowledge wears an apron modeled on that of the high priest Aaron, its hem fringed with bells alternating with orbs. She raises high the caduceus (a wand entwined with serpents) of Mercury, and lays her other hand upon her heart. Encircled by a fiery aureole, the Spirit of Knowledge’s head is wreathed with ivy. She stands in a niche framed by two fluted composite columns.

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    Adriaen Collaert (Flemish, 1560–1618) after Maarten de Vos (Flemish, 1532–1603)
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