Oration on Quintilian and Statius’ Silvae

Politian explains that he has chosen Statius’ Sylvae and Quintilian’s Institutio Oratoria despite possible objections that other authors are greater or more obvious choices. He argues that students can begin with writers who are easier to imitate, that these books are useful in their own right, and that rhetoric remains one of the most valuable arts in public and private life.

Reading notes

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• He anticipates criticism for not choosing more famous texts and answers that students may learn more easily from lesser or later authors.
• He compares this approach to supporting young vines with stakes and training beginners gradually.
• He says Statius’ Sylvae are short, varied, carefully arranged, and rich in expression.
• He argues that Statius’ works should be read, taught in schools, and imitated by poets and orators.
• He says Quintilian is not superior to Cicero, but his Institutio Oratoria is fuller and richer in scope.
• He presents Quintilian as guiding the student from early formation toward a complete ideal of the orator.
• He describes rhetoric as powerful in public life, useful for praise, blame, persuasion, defence, consolation, and civic order.
• He closes this part by saying Quintilian leads students toward a major and valuable possession, then turns to Quintilian’s life.