The Outlook, in the Thorwaldsen Gallery, Copenhagen.
Friend—It reminds me forcibly of the time when “they were both naked and were not ashamed.” Indeed, it gave me a new comprehension of the meaning of that text.
Guide—Which of all Thorwaldsen’s works did you like the best?
Philosopher—How is it possible to tell? There were at least a dozen best.
Friend—The “Ages of Love,” because it suggested a sermon to me which I am going to preach some time.
The “Ages of Love” is a bas-relief consisting essentially of six figures, though so combined as to make, as it were, one tableau. In the first, a covered basket contains a number of imprisoned Cupids, and a child is curiously lifting a corner of the cover to look in and learn what love is like. In the second an attendant female figure—Venus?—has taken a Cupid out of the basket, and a maiden is eagerly and imploringly reaching out both hands to receive it. In the third her prayer has been granted, and the woman clasps the Cupid to her breast. In the fourth the woman is still holding Cupid, but carelessly by the wings, her mind evidently on other things intent. In the fifth a man sits looking upon the ground, while Cupid sits perched upon his back, and he knows not why he is there. In the sixth Cupid has taken his flight and is just beyond the reach of an old man, who stretches out his hands in vain to recover the fugitive.
Guide—And pray, parson, what would your sermon be?