Love The Sentinel c. 1773 - 1776

Jean-Honoré Fragonard painted Love The Sentinel with oil on canvas, an image filled with potent symbols. Here, we see Cupid, bow in hand, ready to strike. Above, doves take flight. The cherubic figure of Cupid has roots stretching back to ancient Greece as Eros, the god of love and desire. Over time, this symbol has evolved, becoming associated with the irrationality and impulsiveness of love. The doves, often linked to Aphrodite, reinforce the themes of affection and devotion. The image has an emotional charge, that can be seen in the posture and expression of Cupid, capturing the intense, often overwhelming power of love and the ways our desires have been portrayed through the ages. These symbols engage viewers on a subconscious level, reminding us of the enduring impact of our emotional states. The cycle continues, and we are back to the eternal power of love.