Three Loves, one of which is seated, holding a quiver 1727 - 1760

This print by Pierre Alexandre Aveline presents three cherubic figures, symbols of love and innocence, rendered with delicate lines. Note the seated cupid clutching a quiver of arrows; a not-so-subtle nod to Cupid's power to wound with desire. Cupids, these winged figures, are not confined to Aveline's era alone. We see them in ancient Roman frescoes, Renaissance paintings, and even today in popular culture. Consider, for instance, how the motif of Cupid evolved from a symbol of divine love to a playful emblem of romantic affection. Birds—a sign of freedom—accompany two of the cherubs. But in the hands of the cherub, the bird is enclosed in a ring—a sign of the constricting nature of love, a tension between desire and constraint. The image taps into our collective memory, reminding us of the eternal dance between innocence and experience. The artist uses a familiar visual vocabulary to evoke deep-seated emotions, revealing love's complex nature, and engaging us on a level that transcends mere observation. As you move on, consider how these symbols resurface and transform, always echoing humanity’s endless fascination with love.