Venus en Amor in ovaal 1732 - 1776

This drawing depicts Venus and Cupid in an oval frame, created by Gilles Demarteau. Venus, the Roman goddess of love and beauty, is shown here with her son Cupid, the god of desire, holding an apple. This fruit, a symbol of temptation, beauty, and discord, links back to the myth of the Judgement of Paris, initiating a chain of events leading to the Trojan War. The motif of Venus with an apple appears in Renaissance art, often reflecting classical ideals. Her enduring appeal lies in the depths of human desire, an emotional and psychological force represented time and again. The arrow of Cupid is grounded, suggesting the taming of passion, and Venus seems relaxed, gazing at her child. Consider how these symbols echo across time, from ancient myths to contemporary culture, continually reshaped by the collective consciousness of humanity. They show a non-linear, cyclical progression, resurfacing and taking on new meanings in different historical contexts.