The Lovers

Israhel van Meckenem the younger, artist

1440 or 1445–1503

Master of the Housebook, artist

circa 1470–1500

The Lovers, late 1400s

Where object was made: Holy Roman Empire (present-day Germany)

Material/technique: laid paper; engraving

Dimensions:
Image Dimensions Height/Width (Height x Width): 164 x 105 mm
Image Dimensions Height/Width (Height x Width): 6 7/16 x 4 1/8 in
Mat Dimensions (Height x Width): 19 x 14 in

Credit line: Gift of the Max Kade Foundation

Accession number: 1969.0122

Not on display

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Big Botany: Conversations with the Plant World

In the 15th century, gardens often inspired connotations of courtly love in chivalric medieval romances, poetry, and art. Sometimes referred to as gardens of love or pleasure gardens, these relatively private spaces offered respite from the very public arenas of court. Courtiers would use these gardens to sit, read, play games, roam the walkways, and have discreet meetings. Plants often contributed to the architecture of courtly gardens. Here, the suggestion of a grove sets the tone for the intimate activities of the couple. The smells of flowers and herbs, the colors of blooms and leaves, the sounds of birds, and of the running water of fountains all added to the sensuality of medieval pleasure gardens.