'Charles Thompson Esqr. Secretary to Congress' 1783

This engraving by B.B.E., likely dating back to the 18th century, presents a betrothal scene overseen by Cupid. The couple joining hands embodies the promise of union, yet Cupid's presence introduces a complex layer of meaning. Cupid, traditionally a symbol of love and desire, is rendered here with a certain ambiguity. Consider how this figure has evolved through time, from the mischievous god of classical antiquity to the saccharine cherub of later eras. This image reminds me of Botticelli’s Venus and Mars; the god of love has a place among human affairs, but is a wild force in it. It is a potent reminder that symbols are never fixed. The image taps into a deep-seated, collective memory of love's joys and perils. It is a testament to the enduring power of images to evoke a spectrum of human emotions.