Ogni cosa vince l'oro 1585 - 1600

Agostino Carracci made this engraving titled 'Ogni cosa vince l'oro.' The artwork shows an old man embracing a young woman while Cupid sharpens his arrow nearby, poised to strike. These images represent a complex interplay of themes—age, beauty, and the inevitable power of love. Cupid, derived from the Latin "cupido" meaning desire, is no stranger to the world of art. We have seen him through the ages, from classical sculptures to Renaissance paintings. Consider how the ancient Greeks portrayed Eros as a primordial god, embodying the raw force of attraction, while later interpretations softened him into a playful imp. Note that the image of Cupid has traversed time, evolving from a symbol of chaotic passion to one of tender affection. Here, Cupid's presence speaks to the timeless allure of beauty and the relentless, often irrational, nature of love. The contrast between youth and age embodies a deep, subconscious tension, capturing a fleeting moment charged with desire and inevitability.