L’épine suit la rose
1852
Talk about a romantic gesture gone wrong! In this charming 1852 scene by Edmé Jean Pigal, a dapper gentleman in striped trousers is busy wooing a lady at her window with a bouquet of flowers, completely oblivious to the danger behind him. A grumpy-looking man in a top hat is sneaking up with a raised cane, ready to deliver a painful surprise to the unsuspecting suitor. The French title, L'épine suit la rose (The thorn follows the rose), serves as a witty proverb for the scene: every sweet moment of romance comes with a prickly consequence, usually in the form of a jealous rival!
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