Allegory of Carnal Love

This enigmatic group of figures is most likely an allegory (a representation of an abstract idea) centered on human love. The winged Cupid lashes a man’s arm to a tree, while a long sash binds together two couples who hungrily touch one another. A figure of ambiguous sex at left holds the end of the sash. The print may be related to Neoplatonic love treatises in Florence. One such treatise argued that the sense of touch operates between sensual and spiritual realms, an idea
embodied by Hermaphroditus, an intersex figure described in Greek myth. A direct connection remains elusive.

A vertically oriented engraving depicts five adults and three children in a dense forest. Centrally, a man with arms bound to a tree looks at a woman touching his chin. To the right, a woman wearing a leafy crown stands beside a man, near a plaque reading "ROBETA" hanging from a branch. On the left, another man stands draped in cloth. A winged child hovers above, the figures defined by fine, dense hatching.

Allegory of Carnal Love

c. 1530

Cristofano Robetta

(Italian, 1462–1534)

Italy, 20th century

Visually Similar by AI

Contact Us

The information about this object, including provenance, may not be currently accurate. If you notice a mistake or have additional information about this object, please fill out the appropriate request form linked below:

Update or Correct Artwork Information

Imagery or Rights for Non-Open-Access Artworks

Report a Website Issue

Further Questions About This Artwork

Artwork Page for Allegory of Carnal Love

Details / Information for Allegory of Carnal Love