Arithmetic Pinturicchio (Bernardino di Betto) (c.1452-1513)

The composition presents a central female figure enthroned within an elaborate architectural framework. The setting appears to be an interior space, suggested by the arched ceiling and decorative elements framing the scene. Above, a vibrant blue vault is adorned with gilded ornamentation, including what appear to be heraldic beasts – lions – supporting the structure.
The seated woman occupies the focal point of the painting. She wears a dark green gown, its folds meticulously rendered, and sits before an ornate red and gold throne. An inscription above her head identifies her as Arithmetica, indicating her personification as the discipline of arithmetic. Her expression is serene and contemplative, suggesting wisdom and authority.
Surrounding her are several figures, seemingly engaged in learning or instruction. To the left, a group of men, dressed in varying shades of red and brown, appear to be students listening intently. One figure gestures towards the central woman, perhaps explaining a concept. On the right side, other individuals, similarly attired, observe the scene with expressions of concentration. A bearded man seated at the lower right seems to be taking notes or performing calculations on a small tablet.
The landscape visible through an opening behind the throne is rendered in muted greens and blues, providing depth and context to the interior setting. The overall effect suggests a formal learning environment, possibly within a university or academy.
Subtly, the painting conveys the importance of intellectual pursuits during its time. The meticulous detail given to the clothing and architecture underscores the value placed on knowledge and education. The arrangement of figures – the central figure as an authority, surrounded by attentive students – highlights the hierarchical structure of learning in that era. The inscription explicitly links the scene to arithmetic, elevating a specific field of study to symbolic importance.