Venus en Adonis (?) 1720 - 1792

This drawing, made by Aert Schouman in the 18th century, captures a poignant moment with Venus and Adonis, or perhaps a similar classical narrative. Venus’s desperate gesture, her arm raised, embodies the archetypal pose of lament, seen across millennia. We see echoes of this gesture in countless depictions of mourning figures, from ancient Roman sarcophagi to Renaissance paintings of the Deposition. This visual language of grief transcends time, resurfacing in diverse cultural contexts. Think of the Virgin Mary at the foot of the cross, her arms mirroring Venus's sorrow. Such recurring motifs are not mere coincidences but are rather potent symbols deeply embedded in our collective consciousness. They tap into primal human emotions, engaging viewers on a subconscious level. The non-linear, cyclical progression of this symbol is clear, resurfacing, evolving, and taking on new meanings across time.