Earth 1643 - 1653

Abraham Bosse created this engraving, titled "Earth," which presents us with a tableau of earthly abundance. Consider the prominence of fruit, symbols of fertility and the gifts of nature, carried by figures both human and cherubic. These overflowing baskets echo the cornucopia, an ancient symbol of plenty, seen in Roman art and myth. The cherub, burdened yet buoyant, recalls classical depictions of Eros, linking earthly bounty with love and desire. Even the orbs in the distance, lined up on a balustrade, suggest globes, hinting at dominion over the terrestrial world. We see these motifs resurface throughout history, shifting in emphasis. Where the ancients might emphasize divine favor, Bosse’s “Earth” situates this abundance in a more secular, humanistic setting. The checkered floor beneath the figures hints at the fluctuations between darkness and light, which are the psychoanalytical stages of development. The symbols engage our subconscious, reminding us of primal connections to nature, fertility, and the enduring human desire for prosperity and harmony. Note that the cherub is carrying a basket that seems too heavy for their small size, pointing to the weight of the future that the new generation carries.