Description
The iconography of the scene is predominantly romantic. The arrow in the sky is the heart of the artist, and the two additional flaming hearts are an attribute of Venus, goddess of love, in Renaissance symbolism. However, in Catholic iconography the Immaculate Heart of Mary is also represented as a flaming heart, and so the hearts may also have religious significance in this particular painting. It can be assumed that the flowers also have definite symbolic associations — for example, the sprig of yew emerging from the center of the vase. The yew traditionally stood for all that is evergreen and immortal and, in this context, implies a devotion that will last forever.
Condition: Generally very good with the usual overall wear and toning. Border with various scattered abraded losses. Vellum cockled overall. Some scattered book worm holes.
