Amor 1630 - 1700

This anonymous engraving presents Amor, his arrow poised, his gaze heavenward. He is a symbol deeply rooted in antiquity. The iconography of Amor, or Cupid, draws from the ancient Greek Eros, the god of love and desire. This figure, often depicted with wings, symbolizes the swiftness and capriciousness of love itself. Observe how the arrow, his signature attribute, represents the piercing nature of love, striking unexpectedly and often causing a powerful emotional response. We see echoes of Amor’s influence in Botticelli’s ‘Venus and Mars’, where Cupid’s presence adds a layer of complexity to the dynamic between the figures. The gesture of the arrow, the tender expression, speaks to humanity's timeless fascination with love, carrying its visual and emotional weight across centuries. Consider the cyclical nature of these symbols, resurfacing and evolving, yet always resonating with our deepest, most primal emotions.