Early in the 16th century, Dutch emblem books were primers or handbooks for youthful aristocrats. Among the more socially and sexually suggestive of these books are Crispijn de Passe, the Elder’s The Garden of Love, aka Hortus Voluptatum, and New Mirror for Youth, aka Nieuwen ieucht spieghel, both of which include the same illustration, Young People […] read more

Passeri’s A Party Feasting in a Garden seems like a happy end to an alfresco luncheon. Young couples are deep in conversation, flirting, and courting, which suggests this is a garden of love. It is casual and innocent, though Passari is a moralist. Close examination of the shield at the bottom of the bench suggests […] read more

Feast In The Park Of The Duke Of Mantua, or Fête dans le Jardin du Duc de Mantoue, is picnicky but not a feast. The curators of the Musée des Beaux-Arts probably assigned the title. It is a garden of lovers dining alfresco in an imaginary architectural setting. The architecture is not like the Duke of […] read more