Ode to Anna Maria van Schurman | Ode to Anna Maria van Schurman

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Dear Anna Maria van Schurman,

Not only the first, but also the best. The description “the jewel of learned women” does not do justice to your insights and achievements: you were a true treasure trove among scholars, regardless of gender.

As a (young) woman who is allowed to put Dr. in front of her name, to stand in front of lecture halls, to be editor-in-chief of an academic journal and whose research is allowed to be published, I owe you more than I can express in words. As the first female student admitted to the university in the Netherlands, you were not inferior to your fellow scholars (and acquaintances) Constantijn Huygens, René Descartes, John Locke and Elisabeth van de Palts.

You were a true genius. A polyglot, you mastered several languages and excelled in literature, theology, biology, insectology and more. Demonstratively, you argued that women should have access to college with the simple but powerful statement: Women are gifted in science and the arts. Point.

Which is more important, creativity or knowledge? Why would you choose at all? Because in addition to gifted academics, you were also a gifted painter. From paper cutting to wax art to pastel portraits, you were an honorary member of St. Luke's Guild of Painters for a reason.

My own love of knowledge and art only strengthens my admiration for your impressive - yet often underestimated - talents and achievements. Your unwavering conviction that reason and creativity are inseparable is an inspiration to me.

Like you, I remain forever wedded to both knowledge and art.

Kind regards,

(Dr.) Emma van Bijnen