Madrazo y Agudo, José de – El Amor divino y el Amor profano Part 5 Prado Museum

The composition presents a scene steeped in allegorical significance, dominated by a reclining male figure with prominent wings. He is positioned centrally within a densely wooded landscape, his posture suggesting both languor and authority. A vibrant red cloth drapes across his lap and shoulders, contrasting sharply with the pale tone of his skin and the verdant backdrop. The artist has rendered him with meticulous attention to anatomical detail, emphasizing muscularity and an idealized beauty characteristic of Neoclassical sculpture.
To the figure’s right stands a smaller winged child, holding a bow and arrow. This diminutive presence is positioned slightly behind the larger figure, creating a visual hierarchy that suggests mentorship or perhaps a symbolic representation of nascent desire. The bow and arrows are laid on the ground at his feet, hinting at potential action but also implying restraint.
The landscape itself contributes significantly to the painting’s meaning. A large tree occupies much of the background, its foliage obscuring details beyond. This creates a sense of enclosure and mystery, suggesting a secluded realm separate from the everyday world. In the distance, a hazy vista reveals rolling hills and a pale sky, offering a glimpse of an expansive horizon that remains largely inaccessible.
The subtexts within this work revolve around themes of love, temptation, and divine influence. The reclining figure’s gesture – pointing upwards with a deliberate expression – suggests a choice between earthly desires (represented perhaps by the bow and arrow held by the child) and something higher or more spiritual. The contrast between the vibrant red cloth and the pale flesh could symbolize the conflict between passion and purity. The overall impression is one of internal struggle, where the figure embodies a pivotal moment of decision regarding the nature of love itself – whether it will be directed towards earthly pleasures or toward a transcendent ideal. The dense foliage and secluded setting reinforce this sense of introspection and moral contemplation.