Venus en Cupido - Lente 1656 - 1726

Johannes Glauber etched this image of Venus and Cupid – Spring, featuring potent symbols of renewal and rebirth. Venus, the goddess of love, wears a crown of flowers, a direct association with Flora and the cyclical blossoming of nature. Consider the enduring motif of the cornucopia, spilling forth an abundance of fruits and flowers held by cherubic figures. This horn of plenty can be traced back to ancient Greece, symbolizing prosperity and nourishment. In time, it has resurfaced, evolving from a symbol of literal sustenance to one of metaphorical richness, appearing in Renaissance paintings and even modern-day advertisements. The erotic charge is palpable. This resonates within us, evoking a primordial connection to the life force, the generative power of the earth itself. This potent imagery engages viewers on a subconscious level. Glauber’s work is a testament to the non-linear, cyclical progression of symbols. These symbols continually resurface, evolve, and take on new meanings, reminding us of the persistent power of the past.