Portrait of a Married Couple, 1523-1524
oil on canvas
The State Hermitage Museum, Saint Petersburg
Portrait of a Married Couple, 1523-1524
oil on canvas
The State Hermitage Museum, Saint Petersburg
The squirrel on the table typifies Lotto's obscure symbolism. Squirrels are traditionally associated with industriousness because they scurry about gathering nuts for the winter. Here, the squirrel is fast asleep, perhaps signifying neglect. The husband points to it while holding a paper inscribed in Latin "man never" unlike the sleeping squirrel, he will never neglect his duties to his wife. In return, she promises lifelong fidelity, symbolized by her lapdog.