Het bezoek 1730 - 1772

Johannes Körnlein etched this print, titled 'The Visit', sometime before 1772. The most potent symbol here is the offering of flowers. Throughout history, giving flowers has signified affection, respect, and a host of other complex emotions, transcending mere words. We see echoes of this ritual in ancient Roman festivals, where flowers honored deities, and in the medieval tradition of courtly love, where a bouquet could signal romantic intentions. Observe how the gentleman in the print presents the flowers with a slight bow, his gaze fixed upon the lady. This carefully choreographed gesture speaks to the societal norms of the time. Yet, consider how the act of gifting flowers has evolved. From ancient rituals to modern-day expressions of love and sympathy, the flower remains a silent messenger, carrying layers of cultural and personal significance. It's a dance of gestures, deeply embedded in our collective memory.