Twee amoureuze putti (de Lente) 1618 - 1655

Cornelis Schut created this miniature etching titled ‘Two amorous putti (Spring)’ sometime between 1612 and 1655. At first glance, the intricate network of etched lines almost obscures the figures, yet gradually, the forms of two cherubic figures emerge, set amidst a lush, fertile landscape. The composition uses dense crosshatching to define volume and texture. This technique not only gives depth to the figures and foliage, but also invites a deeper reading into the artwork's symbolic layers. The lines create a rich interplay of light and shadow, breathing life into the allegorical representation of Spring and Love. The semiotic system present here links nature with infancy, thus implying renewal and innocence. The choice of subject and medium also situates it within the artistic conventions of its time, reflecting broader cultural values. Note how the density of the lines functions not merely aesthetically but also as a narrative device. The lines contribute to a deeper exploration of sensuality, and thus enhance the symbolic weight of the artwork.