Portret van Laura de Noves 1775 - 1840

Ernst Ludwig Riepenhausen made this portrait of Laura de Noves using engraving techniques. Here, Laura is portrayed holding a heart-shaped object, a gesture pregnant with meaning. This motif—the offering or holding of a heart—echoes through art history. We see it in depictions of saints presenting their hearts to the divine, or in allegorical figures symbolizing love and devotion. In Renaissance paintings, this gesture often signified courtly love, a blend of spiritual adoration and romantic longing. Consider how the heart, as a symbol, evolves. From ancient beliefs where it was considered the seat of emotions and intellect, to its modern association solely with love, its journey reflects our shifting understanding of the human psyche. Such symbols tap into a collective memory, engaging viewers on a subconscious level. Thus, Riepenhausen's portrayal of Laura is not merely a likeness, but a cultural echo, resonating with layers of meaning and emotion that have persisted through the ages. The heart, offered in antiquity, is not merely an organ but a vessel of human emotion, constantly resurfacing, evolving, and taking on new meanings across time.