Hovering cupids 

Jacob de Wit rendered these hovering cupids in delicate pen and gray ink. These winged infants, so reminiscent of classical putti, are more than mere decorations. They symbolize divine love and playfulness, descending from the heavens, their chubby forms suggesting abundance and fertility. Note how these cherubic figures echo the ancient Greek Eros, a god of love, who was often portrayed as a mischievous, winged youth, whose arrows could pierce the hearts of gods and mortals alike. This symbol has traversed time and cultures. In the Renaissance, we see the cupid transformed, often associated with Venus, the goddess of love, and appearing in countless paintings and sculptures. The persistent image of the cupid speaks to our primal desires and longing for connection. It is a powerful force that resonates with viewers on a deep, subconscious level, tapping into our collective memory of love, innocence, and the eternal cycle of life.