Hier staan de boomen met vruchten behangen: Daar vryers en vrysters naa verlangen 1743

This hand-coloured etching, made in 1743 by Gijsbert de Groot Keur, presents a lively scene of courtship through an allegorical image. The composition is bisected by two trees, laden with fruit, around which figures gather. A muted palette of blues, oranges, and greys gives the print a gentle, dreamlike quality. The print's design employs symmetry to underscore its themes. On either side, figures reach for fruit, symbolizing romantic pursuits. The fruit becomes a signifier for desire, and the act of picking it suggests a negotiation of social and personal expectations. Here, the act of ‘grasping’ after what is ripe reflects the desires of the suitors and the sought-after. De Groot Keur uses the orchard as a semiotic space where natural abundance meets human longing, capturing a playful yet pointed commentary on social interactions and the pursuit of love. Note the careful arrangement of elements, suggesting a structured approach to the chaos of human relations.