Description
In this image, a man and woman sit facing one another; the woman casts her eyes down shyly as the man makes a tender touch, an invitation to love. This artist pared down a garden of love to an arbor with a low fence, a vase of flowers,
and a basin of water holding a jug of wine and cup. The love displayed in the garden is chaste, as intended. This is apparent by the wine in the water bath, suggesting cooled desire; the carnations in the vase, symbols of virginity; and the woman’s small dog, a sign of fidelity.
and a basin of water holding a jug of wine and cup. The love displayed in the garden is chaste, as intended. This is apparent by the wine in the water bath, suggesting cooled desire; the carnations in the vase, symbols of virginity; and the woman’s small dog, a sign of fidelity.
Provenance
Grafen Maltzan, Militsch (Lugt 3024a); Nicholas Stogdon, Islip, Oxfordshire; Adrian Eeles, London, England, sold to The Cleveland Museum of Art, Cleveland, OH (?–2010); The Cleveland Museum of Art, Cleveland, OH (November 29, 2010–)
Accession Number
2010.262
Medium
engraving
Dimensions
Image: 16.7 x 10.9 cm (6 9/16 x 4 5/16 in.); Sheet: 16.9 x 11.3 cm (6 5/8 x 4 7/16 in.)
Classification
Credit Line
Purchase from the J. H. Wade Fund