
Lucia Tro Santafe
International Senior Specialist
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Sold for £8,125 inc. premium
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International Senior Specialist
At first sight, this appears to be an innocuous scene of a beautiful, elegantly attired young couple strolling in a pleasant landscape. However, closer inspection reveals the figure of Death behind the tree, holding an hourglass, reminding the viewer of the transience of life. The ostrich feather in the man's cap references his single status, whilst the woman's headdress indicates that she is married. Therefore this would appear to be an adulterous encounter, a perception supported by the presence of the fast-growing plant on the left and the sword, symbolizing lust. Thus the viewer is presented with an allegory on morality and a momento mori.