Stuff You Missed in History Class: Anna Maria van Schurman, Star of Utrecht

Hosted by Holly Fry and Tracy V. Wilson | Released on August 11, 2025 | Produced by iHeartPodcasts

Introduction

In this episode of Stuff You Missed in History Class, Holly Fry and Tracy V. Wilson delve into the remarkable life of Anna Maria van Schurman, a 17th-century polymath and one of Europe's most illustrious women scholars. Moving beyond their typical focus on the 19th and 20th centuries, the hosts explore Anna Maria's exceptional contributions to education, art, and philosophy, highlighting her enduring legacy in Utrecht and beyond.

Early Life and Family Background

[02:24] Tracy V. Wilson begins by providing context about Anna Maria's upbringing:

"Anna Maria von Sherman's life was deeply affected by the Protestant Reformation and Catholic Counter Reformation in the 16th and 17th centuries." [04:33]

Anna Maria was born on November 5, 1607, into a noble family in Antwerp, part of the Spanish Netherlands. Her father, Frederick von Sherman, was a Calvinist who fled religious persecution under Philip II of Spain's harsh regime. The family's move to Cologne and later to Utrecht was a direct response to the increasing intolerance towards Protestantism, setting the stage for Anna Maria's future pursuits.

Education and Intellectual Development

Anna Maria's education was unprecedented for women of her time. Although girls were typically educated in subjects deemed appropriate for ladies, such as French and the arts, Anna Maria's intellectual prowess led her father to include her in her brothers' Latin studies.

[07:57] Tracy V. Wilson notes:

"The children's first languages were Dutch and German and they were taught other languages as well, starting with Latin for the boys and French for Anna Maria." [08:25]

By mastering Latin, Greek, and Hebrew, Anna Maria accessed a vast reservoir of knowledge. Her father meticulously curated her reading materials, ensuring they aligned with their devout Calvinist beliefs. Despite these restrictions, Anna Maria remained intellectually active, annotating texts, translating works, and even compiling her own Greek dictionary.

Achievements and Contributions

Anna Maria was not only a scholar but also an accomplished artist. [10:02] Holly Fry emphasizes her multifaceted talents:

"She produced a lot of portraits and self-portraits in an assortment of media... she was the first person in the Netherlands known to do portraiture in pastels." [19:15]

Her artistic endeavors complemented her scholarly work, allowing her to engage with the intellectual circles of Northern Europe. By her early teens, she was recognized as a child prodigy, forging connections with prominent figures like Anna Rumors Vischer and becoming a central figure in the Mauden Circle—a hub for writers, artists, and scientists.

In 1636, Anna Maria was invited to write poems for the inauguration of Utrecht University, cementing her status as a leading intellectual. Her poems, written in Latin, were celebrated for their beauty and depth, earning her titles such as the "Dutch Sappho" and the "jewel of learned women."

Later Life and Religious Transformation

The death of her father in 1623 marked a turning point in Anna Maria's life. [12:46] Tracy V. Wilson recounts:

"Anna Maria was 16 when she made this deathbed promise to her father and she kept that promise for the rest of her life." [12:46]

She vowed never to marry, dedicating herself entirely to scholarship. However, as the Thirty Years' War concluded and her family sought to reclaim lost properties, Anna Maria's focus began to shift towards religious and spiritual matters. Her association with Jean de Labadie and the Labadist movement led her to abandon her scholarly pursuits in 1669, a decision that surprised many who admired her intellectual achievements.

[42:55] Holly Fry reflects on this transformation:

"She might have seen her past writing as contrary to her new life of piety and renouncing worldliness." [45:18]

Legacy and Recognition

Despite the challenges and her eventual withdrawal from academic circles, Anna Maria van Schurman's legacy endures. [46:31] Tracy V. Wilson concludes:

"Anna Maria von Sherman is not forgotten. Today, Utrecht University is building a new teaching complex which is to be named after her." [46:31]

Her contributions set a precedent for women's education and intellectual participation in Europe. Nearly two centuries after her death, Anna Maria remains a symbol of scholarly excellence and perseverance, inspiring future generations to pursue knowledge irrespective of societal constraints.

Notable Quotes

• Tracy V. Wilson: "Anna Maria was not just another educated woman; she was considered the most learned of her time." [04:33]

• Holly Fry: "She described herself as married to her pen and took a Latin phrase meaning 'my love has been crucified' as her personal motto." [12:46]

• Tracy V. Wilson: "She was deeply connected to the world of European scholarship and philosophy through these letters." [24:22]

• Holly Fry: "What set her apart was not just her knowledge, but her willingness to challenge societal norms." [35:29]

Conclusion

Anna Maria van Schurman's life exemplifies the pursuit of knowledge against formidable odds. Through her dedication to education, art, and intellectual discourse, she carved out a space for women in academia during a time when such opportunities were scarce. Her story, as recounted by Holly and Tracy, serves as a testament to the enduring impact one individual can have on shaping history and inspiring future generations.

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