Lovers 1649

Laurentius de Neter painted "Lovers", now at the SMK, sometime between 1600 and 1652, capturing an intimate moment in what was a tumultuous period of European history. The painting invites us into a secluded, romantic scene. But consider the societal expectations of love and marriage during de Neter's time; unions were often strategic, serving familial or economic interests. This depiction of lovers in private hints at the emergence of a new kind of emotional landscape. The presence of Cupid, the god of love, could reinforce conventional ideals of love, while the couple’s retreat into nature symbolizes a quest for personal autonomy. As you reflect on this artwork, consider how it both echoes and diverges from its time, how the artist’s choices can offer us a glimpse into the shifting values and emotional lives of the 17th century.