Young Lovers c. 1775 - 1777

This print, *Young Lovers*, was made by Isoda Koryūsai in Japan. At first glance, the erotic scene reveals an intimate moment, but consider the layers of cultural meaning embedded within. Note the waterfall depicted in the upper left corner: Waterfalls have long been symbols of purification, renewal, and the cyclical nature of life. Here, it’s juxtaposed with the lovers' bodies, suggesting that the act of love itself can be seen as a form of purification or spiritual renewal. Consider similar motifs from ancient Greek art, or the works of the Italian Renaissance: the intertwining figures, gestures of passion and surrender, all resonate across cultures and epochs. It is as though we are witnessing not just a fleeting moment, but an eternal dance. Just as in the Renaissance, love and eroticism became a reflection of deeper philosophical truths, *Young Lovers* invites us to delve into the human psyche and the collective unconscious. This is a testament to how symbols resurface, evolve, and take on new meanings in different historical contexts.