Putti met guirlandes bij een lier / Putti die gedode hazen dragen 1727

This print, made by Bernard Picart, presents two intricate scenes filled with putti and decorative garlands. The dominant visual experience comes from the detailed lines and ornate shapes which create a sense of depth and movement within the confined rectangular spaces. Picart's composition uses symmetrical arrangements of putti, garlands, and architectural elements, which suggests a structured, almost classical approach. However, the addition of playful and somewhat morbid elements, like the dead hares, introduces a destabilizing tension. This juxtaposition can be interpreted through a semiotic lens, where the putti and garlands symbolize innocence and celebration, while the dead hares hint at mortality and the transience of life. The print challenges fixed meanings and invites a re-evaluation of traditional symbols. This work is not merely decorative but also a commentary on the complexities of existence.