Standbeeld van Peter Paul Rubens 1840 - 1843

This print by Johannes Stroebel depicts a statue of Peter Paul Rubens. Observe the putti flanking the statue's pedestal; these cherubic figures, derived from classical antiquity, symbolize divine love and intellectual inspiration. The putto motif, echoing the ancient god Cupid, resurfaces throughout art history, celebrating the union of beauty and intellect. Consider, for instance, how Donatello’s "Spiritello" embodies a similar playful yet profound spirit. Like the figures we see in Renaissance paintings, the cherubs in Stroebel's print evoke a nostalgic longing for a golden age, a collective memory of a time when art and spirituality were intertwined. This yearning connects us to a shared past, reflecting our subconscious desire for harmony and enlightenment. This visual language, constantly evolving, transcends time, carrying echoes of human emotion and aspiration through the ages.