About
Anna Maria van Schurman (1607-1678) was a Dutch artist and scholar, widely regarded as one of the most learned women of 17th-century Europe. Born in Cologne, she mastered at least fourteen languages, including Latin, Greek, and Hebrew. In 1636, she became the first woman to attend lectures at Utrecht University, seated behind a screen. Her work Dissertatio de ingenii muliebris (1641) argued for women's right to education. As an accomplished artist, she worked in painting, engraving, and calligraphy, and was granted honorary membership in the Saint Luke's Guild in 1643. A correspondent of Descartes and Queen Christina of Sweden, she later joined the Labadist community and published Eukleria (1673), a spiritual autobiography.
* 1607-11-05 — † 1678-05-04
Major works
- Dissertatio de ingenii muliebris ad doctrinam (1641)essay
- Eukleria (1673)autobiography
- Self-portrait engraving (1633)engraving
Key milestones
- 1636Becomes the first woman to attend lectures at Utrecht University.
- 1643Granted honorary membership in the Saint Luke's Guild in Utrecht.
- 1673Publishes Eukleria, a spiritual autobiography.
Themes
Women's educationScholarshipArt and calligraphySpiritualityIntellectual correspondence
Sources: nga.gov · uu.nl · britishmuseum.org