Two women with a dove in their hands and a cupid 1750 - 1808

Samuel Shelley rendered this drawing of two women with a dove and a cupid, sometime between 1756 and 1808. Here, the dove is a potent emblem, a symbol of peace and purity. The cupid, ever present, embodies love, desire, and affection. The symbolism of the dove reaches back to ancient times, often linked with goddesses of love such as Aphrodite and Venus, and its association with peace can be traced through the Old Testament's story of Noah, where it signified the end of strife. The presence of Cupid ties into this lineage, harking back to classical ideals of beauty and love. Consider how the image of the dove also appears in Christian art as a symbol of the Holy Spirit. Across cultures and eras, this bird resurfaces, carrying connotations of hope and renewal, each time colored by new layers of meaning. This complex layering speaks to our collective memory, a repository of shared symbols that resonate on a subconscious level. The longing for peace and the allure of love continue to drive humanity, and we, subconsciously, seek it.