Omlijsting voor Van-Tulden 1724 - 1777

Etienne Fessard created this print, "Omlijsting voor Van-Tulden," sometime in the 18th century. Notice the cherubic figure draped elegantly over the oval frame. This motif, a playful Cupid, is a descendant of classical imagery, symbolizing love and youthful exuberance. Now, think back to ancient Roman sarcophagi, where similar figures—often winged—adorned tombs, guiding souls to the afterlife. The image of the cherub persists through the Renaissance, reborn in paintings and sculptures, and here it appears again in Fessard’s work. Consider how the cherub, once a solemn guide, evolves into a symbol of lighthearted affection. This transformation reflects a broader shift in cultural values. Yet, even in its jovial form, the cherub retains a connection to deeper emotional currents. It evokes a sense of nostalgia, a longing for innocence and a primal connection between love, loss, and renewal that lingers in our collective memory, a testament to the symbol's enduring power.