Frau Venus Brooch

And now, something for those who are feeling romantic – or who like ladies holding hearts on arrows. This is Frau Venus, the queen of love. She has been looking fabulous since the middle of the 14th century, and she is perfect as a gift for the lucky person upon whom you bestow your attention – or for yourself. You deserve love!

Copied from an original found in Ypres, dated 1325-1375. Like many amatory brooches of the Middle Ages, the overall form suggests either a letter A or a letter M, apparently for Amor or Minne (Love in Latin and German, respectively.)