Three men read while a woman writes numerals; representing arithmetic. Engraving by C. Cort, 1565, after F. Floris, c. 1557.

Antwerp : Hieronymus Cock

1 print : line engraving

Haec contemplandis numeris ars gaudet, eorum occulta sollers eruens mysteria. FF. invētor. H. Cock excud. Lettering on two books on floor: "Abraham" and "Pythagoras". "Arithmetica" is written on the chair upon which the woman sits. Her dress is embroidered with numbers. A taloned foot can be seen between the legs of the man on the left. Some of the books have locks Bears number: 2

One of a series of personifications of the Seven Liberal Arts painted by Floris for Nicolaas Jongelinck, c. 1557. Floris's painting of 'Arithmetic' came to light in 1995, being offered for sale at Christie's, New York on 11 January 1995, lot 23. Previously the series had only been known through Cort's 1565 set of engravings

For further information, see: C. van de Velde, 'Frans Floris (1519/20-1570). Leven en werken' (Brussels: Paleis de Academien, 1975), vol. I, pp. 426-8

Wellcome Collection 25650i