Mei: een paar uit Rome 1604 - 1670

Crispijn van de Passe II created this engraving, "May: A Couple from Rome," around the early 17th century. The composition is meticulously structured around the interplay of figures and symbols, rendered in a monochromatic palette. The textures, from the intricate clothing to the sky, create an absorbing visual field. The print reflects a broader artistic interest in representing social types and mores. Van de Passe’s precise engraving technique enhances the didactic nature of the artwork. Here we see a gentleman holding a hat and fan, gesturing towards the woman who is dressed in ceremonial attire. The detailed lines and patterns across the print add layers of meaning. The cherubic figures in the upper left corner serve as a cultural signifier of love and marriage. Through its formal elements and detailed engravings, Van de Passe's artwork invites ongoing interpretation into the cultural codes of courtship and societal expectations.