The Triumph of Love 1470 - 1490

Francesco Rosselli created this engraving, "The Triumph of Love," in the late fifteenth century, showcasing the visual culture of Renaissance Florence. Notice how the composition is structured around a central, dynamic procession. The figures and landscape are rendered with fine, linear strokes that emphasize form and depth within the two-dimensional space. The artist uses a horizon line to create a sense of perspective, framing the triumphal chariot against a backdrop of rolling hills and architectural details. The procession, led by Cupid atop a flaming altar, signifies the all-conquering force of love, but seen through the lens of Renaissance humanism. The engraving invites us to reflect on how these forms and symbols interact to convey complex ideas about human experience and the legacy of classical antiquity. The contrast between the detailed foreground and the receding background underscores the Renaissance interest in depth and spatial relationships, inviting viewers to actively engage with the artwork.