Portret van Catherine Sedley c. 1685 - 1688

This engraving by Isaac Beckett portrays Catherine Sedley, the Countess of Dorchester. Note how the background depicts a lush, almost Edenic landscape, hinting at themes of paradise and natural abundance. Look closely at the putti, those cherubic figures, nestled beneath the Countess's arm. These motifs, recalling classical antiquity, experienced a rebirth during the Renaissance, symbolizing love, innocence, and divine presence. We see them again and again throughout art history, even in secular contexts where they evoke a sense of playful, idealized beauty. Yet, these once sacred figures also carry an ambiguous weight, often hinting at the transience of beauty and the inevitability of change. Consider how these symbols engage the viewer on a subconscious level. The putti might evoke feelings of nostalgia or a longing for a lost innocence. This echoes the power of symbols that constantly resurface, evolving, and taking on new meanings throughout history.