Plate 13: entrance of Love and Wealth to Gamache's wedding (Entrée de L'amour et de la Richesse aux Noces de Gamache) by Pieter Tanjé

Plate 13: entrance of Love and Wealth to Gamache's wedding (Entrée de L'amour et de la Richesse aux Noces de Gamache)

1745

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Artwork details

Medium
drawing, print, etching
Dimensions
Sheet (Trimmed): 8 3/8 × 6 5/16 in. (21.2 × 16.1 cm)
Location
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Copyright
Public Domain

Tags

#drawing#allegory#baroque#print#etching#history-painting

About this artwork

Pieter Tanjé's etching, made around 1706-1761, depicts allegorical figures of love and wealth entering Gamache's wedding. Cupid, with his bow, represents desire and affection, while wealth is symbolized by lavish attire and a regal bearing. These figures echo throughout art history. Cupid's presence can be traced back to classical antiquity, where Eros, the Greek counterpart, was a primal force. Wealth, often depicted through symbols of cornucopia or precious metals, has always been a potent symbol of power and prosperity. Consider how Cupid's image has transformed from a divine being to a playful cherub, a shift reflecting evolving views on love. Wealth, too, has seen transformations in its visual representation, mirroring societal values. This non-linear progression—a constant return and reinterpretation—is a testament to the enduring power of symbols in capturing our collective imagination and subconscious desires.

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