De Adolescentie 18th century

Giovanni Volpato created this print, "De Adolescentie," sometime in the late 18th century. Here, youthful figures are situated within an elaborate, decorative border, evoking a classical Arcadia, a mythical space of pastoral harmony. The central male figure, with his gesturing hands, suggests a dynamic energy, an eagerness that contrasts with the more passive poses of the women. This posture echoes across centuries; from classical orators to Renaissance depictions of Mercury. Notice how the lyre, usually associated with Apollo, god of music and light, lies discarded at the lower edge of the scene, perhaps symbolizing a transient abandonment of intellectual pursuits. The image is a powerful testament to the cyclical nature of human experience, particularly the transition from youth to maturity. These visual motifs are not static; they evolve and adapt, yet they carry echoes of past meanings, engaging our subconscious with each reiteration.