Who painted Rhetoric (from the Tarocchi, series C: Liberal Arts, #23)?

Rhetoric (from the Tarocchi, series C: Liberal Arts, #23) was painted by Master of the E-Series Tarocchi in 1467.

Where can I see Rhetoric (from the Tarocchi, series C: Liberal Arts, #23)?

Rhetoric (from the Tarocchi, series C: Liberal Arts, #23) is held by Cleveland Museum of Art.

What movement is Rhetoric (from the Tarocchi, series C: Liberal Arts, #23)?

Rhetoric (from the Tarocchi, series C: Liberal Arts, #23) is associated with Renaissance.

Artwork

Rhetoric (from the Tarocchi, series C: Liberal Arts, #23)

Master of the E-Series Tarocchi , 1467

Rhetoric (from the Tarocchi, series C: Liberal Arts, #23) is a print by the Renaissance artist Master of the E-Series Tarocchi. It dates from 1467 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art. Rhetoric is a print from the Tarocchi series C, representing one of the Liberal Arts.

About this work

To learn more about this style, visit the museum where this work is kept, The Cleveland Museum of Art.

This painting shows a woman surrounded by symbols of speech and writing.
She's holding a book and there are scrolls and quills nearby.
The woman represents Rhetoric, one of the liberal arts.

The liberal arts were important skills in the 15th century.
They included subjects like music and astronomy.

To learn more about this style, visit the museum where this work is kept, The Cleveland Museum of Art.

Overview

Rhetoric is a print from the Tarocchi series C, representing one of the Liberal Arts. It depicts a female allegory of Rhetoric, symbolizing the art of eloquent speech and writing.

Subject & Meaning

The figure, Rhetorica, embodies the concept of Rhetoric, a key discipline within the Liberal Arts, essential for effective communication in a free society. She is shown with attributes signifying eloquence: a book, scrolls, and quills.

Technique & Style

Executed as an engraving, the work features a frontal, full-length female figure with symbolic accompaniments, such as a crown and a sword, alongside two genii blowing trumpets, reflecting late medieval allegorical representation styles.

History & Provenance

Part of an expanded Tarocchi set (including ten liberal arts disciplines), this print originates from a 15th-century tradition of visually representing liberal arts as female allegories, with its current location at The Cleveland Museum of Art.

Context

Created in the 15th century, this work reflects the era's emphasis on liberal arts education, which encompassed a broad range of subjects from Grammar and Rhetoric to Music and Astronomy, deemed crucial for societal participation.