Venus and Cupid c. early 17th century

Cast in bronze by Paul Hubner, likely in the late 16th or early 17th century, this oval plaque depicts Venus and Cupid amidst a rich landscape. Venus, goddess of love, is identifiable through her nudity and the presence of her son, Cupid, with his wings. The composition suggests themes of beauty, fertility, and the intertwined nature of love and nature itself. But observe the symbolic weight these figures carry. Venus, originating from ancient Near Eastern fertility goddesses, embodies desire and procreation across cultures and epochs. Consider Botticelli's "Birth of Venus," where she emerges from the sea, a symbol of renewal. The recurring image of Venus taps into a deep, collective memory. Note also the serpent encircling the image; a creature of both healing and destruction, a symbol of cyclical renewal and unconscious drives. Observe how its presence engages viewers on a subconscious level, hinting at the intense, often contradictory forces at play in love and desire. This timeless symbol has resurfaced, evolved, and taken on new meanings through history.