The Lovers

In this image, a man and woman sit facing one
another; the woman casts her eyes down shyly
as the man makes a tender touch, an invitation
to love. This artist pared down a garden of love
to an arbor with a low fence, a vase of flowers,

and a basin of water holding a jug of wine and
cup. The love displayed in the garden is chaste,
as intended. This is apparent by the wine in
the water bath, suggesting cooled desire; the
carnations in the vase, symbols of virginity;
and the woman’s small dog, a sign of fidelity.