Cupid on a tiger 1652

Wenceslaus Hollar created this engraving of Cupid on a tiger sometime in the 17th century, a period marked by exploration, colonialism, and the rise of scientific inquiry. Here, Cupid, often seen as a symbol of innocent love, is placed atop a tiger, a creature embodying power and exoticism. This juxtaposition invites us to consider the complex ways in which love and desire intersect with power dynamics, particularly in the context of colonial encounters. Tigers, often associated with the 'Orient,' were increasingly present in the European imagination, symbolizing both the allure and the potential danger of the 'East.' The image could serve as an allegory for how love and desire could be harnessed or tamed, reflecting the colonial mindset of the era. There's a tension in this small print, a sense of a world on the brink of change, where old mythologies meet new realities. It leaves you wondering about the stories we tell ourselves about love, power, and the places we seek to conquer.