Langwerpige cartouche met drie putti 1657 - 1662

Pieter Jansz. created this drawing with pen in gray and brown ink, depicting a cartouche with three putti. The putto, a cherubic figure common in Renaissance and Baroque art, embodies more than mere innocence; it is the ancient Eros reborn, a symbol deeply rooted in classical antiquity and adopted by Christianity to represent divine love. Notice how the putto on the right clutches a fish. This is no mere decorative element. The fish, an early Christian symbol for Christ himself, subtly layers religious meaning onto this seemingly secular scene. The persistence of these motifs reveals how symbols are not static. These resurface and evolve in meaning across centuries, reflecting humanity’s continuous effort to reconcile the classical past with the Christian present. Such recurring imagery taps into a powerful force, engaging viewers on a subconscious level, evoking a sense of continuity and shared cultural memory.