Liefde 1615

Pieter Feddes van Harlingen created this print, titled 'Love', in the 17th century. At its heart, we see a mother tenderly holding her child, a timeless symbol of maternal love and care. Two cherubic figures flank her, one carrying a spear. The image echoes ancient depictions of goddesses with their children. Think of Isis nursing Horus, or even earlier fertility goddesses, their iconography adapted across millennia. Here, the artist subtly Christianizes a classical trope, transforming it into an allegory of divine love. The spear in the cherub's hand, usually associated with Cupid, here could represent the piercing power of love, but also hints at the pain and sacrifice inherent in motherhood. It’s a potent reminder that these symbols are not static, but constantly evolving, their meanings reshaped by the cultural and psychological currents of each era. This image is not just a depiction, but an echo, resonating with our collective memory of love, protection, and sacrifice.