This collection of late 16th and early 17th century love emblems was amassed around 1620 by an unknown lover, doubtless consumed by passion and fiery loins, and given to his or her lover as a token of romance and affection. Composed of mythological, allegorical, and even erotic prints, the emblems (created by printmakers such as Abraham Bloemaert, Pieter I Bruefhel, Agostino Carracci, and Jacob Goltzius) illustrated scenes like The Trades of Cupid, The Seven Deadly Sins, The Seven Virtues, The Muses, The Loves of the Gods, and Five Senses. Publication, or collecting and binding, of love emblems was a novel and popular pastime in the Netherlands in the early 17th century, and the particular album reproduced here is an outstanding example. Meticulously colored and heightened with gold and silver, these prints surely won the heart of their lucky receiver.