Jonge vrouw en naakte man op kleed c. 1680

Hishikawa Moronobu's woodblock print presents us with an intimate scene between a woman and a man. The overt symbolism is hard to ignore, but let's not reduce it to mere genitalia. Consider the lamp. Light, often a symbol of knowledge and enlightenment, casts a glow on the couple. The man’s exposed body can be seen echoing ancient fertility symbols found in cultures across the globe. Think of the ithyphallic figures of ancient Greece, or the lingam in Hindu art. These are not merely representations of male anatomy but symbols of life-giving energy and continuity. Throughout history, similar gestures and compositions have appeared in various contexts. The posture of the figures can be seen to reflect archetypal images of creation and union. Over time, the human need to express these fundamental aspects of existence remains consistent, yet the artistic language evolves, shifting with cultural and historical forces. This image resonates with a primal human experience, tapping into our collective memory.