Matrix of the seal of the Faculty of Arts

Description

The main difference between the medieval and the modern university was the existence of a faculty of arts, later replaced by the faculty of philosophy and history and the faculty of natural philosophy. The faculty of arts (covering the seven artes liberales or liberal arts) was not on the same level as the other three faculties of law, medicine and theology, but served as a preliminary stage to them. Every student was first obliged to study the seven liberal arts before being able to enter one of the other three faculties. The seal - the only one dating from the foundation of the University to have been preserved - shows St Catherine with three pagan scholars in a Late Gothic building. According to legend the patron saint of the arts converted to Christianity 50 philosophers in all (here reduced to three) through her scholarship and steadfast faith. The coat of arms of Basle proclaims the town's authority over the University. The seal has been cut so deeply in places that good impressions can be achieved only on paper or on a wafer; wax and sealing wax stick in the grooves.