Bacchus met Venus, Amor en Ceres (Sine Cerere et Baccho friget Venus) 1654

Jean Boulanger created this print called 'Bacchus met Venus, Amor en Ceres (Sine Cerere et Baccho friget Venus)' some time in the 17th century. It speaks to the cultural values of the time. This allegorical scene brings together Venus, the goddess of love, Bacchus, the god of wine, Ceres, the goddess of agriculture and Cupid, god of desire, floating amidst the clouds. The inscription translates to 'Without Ceres and Bacchus, Venus is cold', suggesting that love and desire thrive when nourished by food and wine. Classical mythology was often used to explore themes of love, beauty, and pleasure, but what happens when pleasure becomes an excess? Boulanger made this print at a time when questions around morality, self-control and indulgence were very much at the fore, and the print seems to invite us to consider the relationship between moderation and hedonism. What do you think?