Woodcut, Italy, 16th Century. Cupid’s arrow will deflect the gaze of the maiden from her mirror to a boy in the band, and Love will replace Vanity as soon as eye contact is made. Concepts such as Love, Hate, Health, Disease, etc., were considered entities that could travel from eye to eye. “Love at first sight” is still held to be an acceptable reason explaining the desire to mate with a particular person. Love and marriage were always very different ideas, and passion could upset a family’s desire for “the perfect match”.

Limited edition (250) linoleum block print.