Tuin der liefde c. 1550 - 1586

Marco dell'Angolo del Moro created this print, "Garden of Love," where classical figures gather in a sylvan scene, replete with symbolism. Note the cupid figures perched amongst the trees: their presence speaks to the enduring power of love, both as a source of joy and, potentially, chaos. These cupids, echoing the ancient Roman god Cupid, are visual cousins to the Greek Eros, representing desire and attraction. The lyre also, prominently displayed, links music, harmony, and love, a classical motif seen repeatedly throughout the ages. But consider the contrasting tension: on one side a man restrains a woman, an echo of struggle. The motif of contention appears as an undercurrent, a shadow that love is not always gentle. This complex interplay, a testament to love's multifaceted nature, touches upon our collective memory of its ever-changing aspects. The image becomes a stage where love's drama unfolds. This garden, then, is not a static paradise but a dynamic arena—reflecting love's continuous rebirths and re-imaginings across time.