Dood en Cupido schieten elkaars pijlen af en oude man maakt jonge vrouw het hof, ca. 1707-1708 1707 - 1708

Boëtius Adamsz. Bolswert created this engraving around 1707-1708, now held at the Rijksmuseum, as a commentary on the societal norms of love, age, and mortality. The image, rife with allegory, presents Cupid and Death exchanging arrows, while an elderly man courts a young woman. It encapsulates the complex dynamics of desire, power, and social status of the time. Consider the implications of the figures: the aged man embodies experience and wealth, while the young woman symbolizes youth and beauty, reflecting an unequal exchange rooted in patriarchal structures. Bolswert prompts us to reflect on the emotional and personal dimensions of such relationships. Adding to this complex tableau, the presence of Cupid and Death suggests that love and mortality are intertwined, reminding us of the fleeting nature of youth and beauty. It also poses questions about how society values and commodifies these attributes. Bolswert uses symbolism to encourage us to consider the complex interplay between age, love, and mortality.