Liefde 1540 - 1570

This print, "Liefde," was created by Giulio Sanuto around 1570 using etching techniques. Notice how Sanuto uses a limited range of tones to create a composition dominated by the figures of cherubs. The central figure, Cupid, stands triumphantly atop a globe, bow in hand, while two cherubs struggle to carry the weight of the world. The figures emerge from a base of swirling clouds, giving the image a sense of upward movement. Sanuto masterfully plays with line and form, employing a semiotic language to convey the power, or perhaps burden, of love. The globe, often a symbol of earthly dominion, here becomes a stage for Cupid's drama. How might the artist be suggesting that love governs all? The softness of the clouds contrasts with the firm roundness of the globe, and the sharp angle of Cupid’s arrow suggests a dynamic tension. Consider how these elements work together to create not just an image, but a statement about the complex relationship between love, power, and the world.