Strook met twee putti before 1676

This anonymous print presents a symmetrical composition featuring two putti flanking a central, circular void. These cherubic figures, symbols of divine love, hold a wreath, likely alluding to victory or eternal life. The wreath itself is a motif that winds back to ancient Greece, signifying honor and achievement. We see echoes of this in Roman triumphs, where emperors were crowned with laurel wreaths. These images reappear in Renaissance paintings, adorning Madonnas and saints, suggesting the enduring power of classical motifs adapted into Christian iconography. The putto, drawn from classical depictions of Cupid, evolves from a symbol of erotic love to a representation of innocence and divine affection, which taps into a profound psychological desire for purity and redemption. This cyclical progression—from pagan emblem to Christian symbol, resurfacing in various guises through history—illustrates how symbols transcend time, continually reinventing themselves and engaging viewers on a subconscious level.