Ziet kinderen broer en zusje spelen / Wil gul in hunne vreugde deelen 1810

This print by Hermanus van Lubeek, made in the late 18th century, depicts scenes of children at play, framed in ovals, each vignette reflecting themes of innocence and familial affection. Consider the motif of the embrace, recurring across the images. The act of embracing goes beyond a simple gesture; it is a primal expression of kinship. One can see echoes of this embrace throughout art history – from ancient Roman depictions of familial piety to Renaissance portrayals of the Madonna and Child. The heart, symbol of affection, highlighted in red, draws our attention to this same expression of love. This symbol, rooted in classical antiquity and later adopted by Christianity, has become a universal emblem. It represents not only romantic love, but also the bonds between siblings. The images are powerful forces, engaging viewers on a deep, subconscious level. Such symbols resurface, evolve, and take on new meanings in different historical contexts.