La Discretion after 1678

Robert Bonnart’s print, "La Discretion," captures a scene rife with symbolism typical of its time. At its heart, we see a lady placing a finger to her lips, a classic gesture signifying silence and secrecy, essential in affairs of the heart. This motif has ancient roots, echoing through various cultures and epochs. We see it in depictions of Harpocrates, the Greek god of silence, often shown with a finger pressed to his lips, guarding secrets of the divine. In this intimate setting, the woman's gesture, charged with the excitement of clandestine meetings, speaks to the psychological dance of concealment and revelation inherent in human relationships. The image taps into the collective memory of forbidden knowledge and hidden desires, engaging viewers on a primal, subconscious level. The cyclical nature of this symbol—reappearing across history—reminds us of the timeless human capacity for intrigue and discretion.