In one of our previous publications we wrote about frivolous symbols and plots in painting. But this topic is quite extensive, it will not be possible to tell about everything in one article, so we will continue, we hope it will be interesting.
Gabriel Metsu "Dinner"
Besides roses, shells and oysters were also frivolous symbols. It was all about their shape and the belief that dishes made from them would give men strength and arouse desire in women. In fact, a dinner of oysters was a clear indication of the night's fun to come.
Holman Hunt. The Awakening of Conscience
Intimate hints were also hidden in various wardrobe items, such as a red shawl. It was believed to symbolize the languor of love. It was enough for a girl to throw a red shawl over her shoulders, and it would be clear to her suitors that she was not against a relationship, and was discreetly hinting at it. Thus, knowledge of all the symbols greatly facilitated the courtship process at a time when nothing could be said directly to avoid shame and serious trouble.
Now, if the scarf is not draped over the shoulders, but around the waist, then everything becomes even more transparent and prosaic. This is how ladies of simple virtue dressed, including courtesans, maidens, and priestesses of love. It is true that not everyone had a sudden awakening of conscience and awareness of the sinfulness of debauchery, as in Holman Hunt's painting.
Winslow Homer "Waiting for an Answer"
A symbol of love could be the hat of a man and a woman, as shown in Winslow Homer's painting. Their unusual placement is immediately noticeable - the inside of the hat faces the viewer, not the crown, as artists usually depicted such headdresses. In addition, mourning ribbons are visible on the hat. It is possible that we are looking at a young widow who has been proposed to some time after her husband's funeral, and she is thinking about it. It is hard to live alone, but the memory of her dead husband does not give her peace, perhaps her feelings have not yet faded, and she considers accepting as a betrayal.
Or maybe everything is worse and less decent. The mourning ribbon is a reminder of a dead child - at that time, infant mortality was the order of the day, and the man is simply trying to play the role of a lover, harassing someone else's wife. The wife probably likes him, and her feelings for her husband have cooled, but what if their relationship is discovered? I generally want to, but I'm afraid.
Jacob de Geyn II "The Shooter and the Milkmaid"
The story depicted in Jacob de Heine II's painting "The Archer and the Milkmaid" gained great popularity. The young marksman is helped to aim by his cheerful milkmaid friend. At first glance, this seems absurd: the marksman would probably be able to do without outside help, and especially without a lady. But it's all about innuendo and wordplay. The word boogschiten meant not only shooting with a crossbow, but also male satisfaction. And the word milking was associated with more than milk and cows, and milkmaids were often the butt of dirty jokes.Andreas Stock after a drawing by Jacob de Gheyn II. Engraving from 1610.
This painting was repeatedly used as the basis for frivolous engravings for commoners, which were sold in large editions. And there the artists were more specific, not limiting themselves to allusions and puns.Engraving from the painting by Maerten van Cleve "Woman Drying a Net"
In addition to hunting birds, fishing also had a similar meaning. It is no coincidence that the woman in Maerten van Cleve's engraving has probably been "fishing" all night and now has to "dry her nets".
Giovanni da Udine. Frescoes of Villa Chigi
Various fruits and vegetables were also symbols. Some painters did not hide them and painted them very suspiciously, as in the fresco of the artist Giovanni da Udine. He painted the famous Villa Chigi, where today the famous museum "Villa Farnesina" is located. It is true that children should be taken there with caution, some fruits are more suggestive of something else and symbolize the male and female principles.
Frans Hals "Maslenitsa Revelers"
Frans Hals' painting "Maslenitsa Revelers" is also full of such symbols. It depicts men in the guise of comic characters "Hans the Sausage" and "Pickled Herring" reveling on Shrove Tuesday. The action takes place in the Chamber of Rhetoricians, a kind of men's club where orators and lovers of oratory gather. It is true that they are all in no mood for lofty speeches right now. By the way, the girl in the foreground is not a girl at all, but a young man in disguise, since women were not allowed there. In general, the fun is in full swing, and one can only guess how it will end.
Buy handmade goods or modern art you can on artAlebrio - is an international marketplace for people who want to create, sell, buy and collect unique items and art - buy the best with us artAlebrio.com.
By confirming your order you unconditionally accept these General Conditions of Sale
