Anne Page, Slender and Simple (Shakespeare, Merry Wives of Windsor, Act 1, Scene 1) 1825 - 1840

This print, made by Charles Heath the elder, depicts a scene from Shakespeare’s *Merry Wives of Windsor*. Anne Page stands before us, but it is the symbolism of her dress that truly captures our attention. Notice the heart-shaped jewel hanging from Anne’s waist. The heart, universally recognized as a symbol of love and emotion, has a lineage stretching back to ancient times. We find its echo in Egyptian hieroglyphs, representing the core of life, and in classical art, where it was linked to the god of love, Eros. Here, however, the heart takes on a new dimension. It suggests not only romantic love but also the complexities and trials of courtship. The heart motif reappears throughout history, from medieval emblems to modern-day valentines, each time shifting to mirror the cultural nuances of its age. This emblem reminds us of the enduring human quest for love and connection, a quest that continues to resonate across centuries.