Lovers in Woods 1850 - 1896

Here we see "Lovers in Woods," a drawing by Sir John Everett Millais now housed at the Art Institute of Chicago. The lovers, framed by the arch of the woods, hold hands in a gesture laden with meaning. Holding hands, an act of connection, transcends time, appearing in Roman marriage iconography as the 'dextrarum iunctio,' symbolizing agreement and unity. Millais, perhaps unconsciously, invokes this ancient motif, revealing the persistence of such gestures in our collective memory. The setting itself, the woods, is a powerful symbol, often representing the unknown, the subconscious, and the path of transformation. From the enchanted forests of medieval romances to the dark woods of fairy tales, it's a place where the self confronts its deepest fears and desires. Here, the lovers stand at its threshold, suggesting that their bond is a journey into the uncharted territories of the heart. These motifs resonate across cultures and epochs, revealing how images and gestures persist, evolving yet retaining their emotional power.