The Triumph of Divine Love
Artist
Peter Paul Rubens
(Flemish, 1577 - 1640)
Datec. 1625
MediumOil on canvas
Dimensions152 x 204 in. (386.1 x 518.2 cm)
ClassificationsPaintings
Credit LineMuseum purchase, 1980
Object numberSN977
Rubens depicted the "Love of God" as the motherly figure of Charity whose milk was sufficient to nourish all her children. Resembling the Virgin Mary, she is shown standing on a small processional chariot drawn by two lions. Beside her a pelican pierces its breast to feed its young, a sacrificial gesture symbolizing that of Christ's. A halo of flying putti (child-angels) fills the air. Three more putti are land-bound: one bends to burn intertwined snakes, traditional symbols of sin and evil; another raises a flaming heart and a bow. The third putto, astride one of the lions, brandishes the arrow of sacred love.
The theme of love, both sacred and profane, is thus announced by the putti using their cupid-like bow and arrow, the torch that ignites the feeling of love and the flaming heart. All three of these attributes recur throughout Rubens' composition. Notice, for example, that the spokes of the chariot wheel radiate alternating arrows and shafts of flame.
On View
On viewLocation
- Museum of Art, Gallery 01
