Amor met een kameleon 1686

This print of "Love with a Chameleon" was made by Jan van Vianen. At its center, we see Amor holding a chameleon. This creature, known for its ability to change colors, is a profound symbol of inconstancy and fickleness. Like Proteus, capable of endless transformation, the chameleon embodies the shifting nature of affections. The image of a love deity associated with such mutability is not new; it echoes through the ages, appearing in emblems and allegories where love’s unpredictable nature is explored. The chameleon's presence here speaks to the ambivalent nature of love, an emotional state that can be as elusive and deceptive as the lizard itself. This visual language taps into our collective memory, a reminder of the ever-changing dance of desire and attachment that has preoccupied us across time.