Jong paar in een bos 1834 - 1866

This graphite drawing, made by Jacobus van Koningsveld, depicts a young couple amidst a wooded landscape, observed by a figure holding what appears to be a bow. The forest setting evokes ideas of courtship and the outdoors and resonates with the ‘garden of love’ motif, symbolizing both the joys and dangers of romantic encounters, a theme that extends back to classical depictions of Venus and Cupid in hidden groves. The bow-carrying figure reminds us of the ever-present gaze of Cupid, god of desire and affection. In Renaissance paintings, Cupid's arrow could ignite love or indifference, embodying the unpredictable nature of human attraction. Here, the artist captures a moment filled with potential and longing, touching on our own deep-seated memories of desire and connection. The image creates a powerful force that resonates across time. In essence, Koningsveld invites us to reflect on the enduring power of love and its impact on the human experience.