Forbidden Love Collection

Forbidden love, an age-old tale of passion defying societal norms and the confines of familial duty

Forbidden Love Collection: The Bailiffs Daughter of Islington, illustration from The Book of Old English Songs and Ballads

The Bailiffs Daughter of Islington, illustration from The Book of Old English Songs and Ballads
IL314817 The Bailiffs Daughter of Islington, illustration from The Book of Old English Songs and Ballads, published by Stodder and Houghton, c

Forbidden Love Collection: Romeo and Juliet from Childrens Stories from Shakespeare

Romeo and Juliet from Childrens Stories from Shakespeare
IL100132 Romeo and Juliet from Childrens Stories from Shakespeare by Edith Nesbit (1858-1924) pub. by Raphael Tuck & Sons Ltd

Forbidden Love Collection: Fillial Affection, or A Trip to Gretna Green, 1780s (litho)

Fillial Affection, or A Trip to Gretna Green, 1780s (litho)
XJF437534 Fillial Affection, or A Trip to Gretna Green, 1780s (litho) by Rowlandson, Thomas (1756-1827); Private Collection; English, out of copyright

Forbidden Love Collection: Phaedra, Oenone and Hippolytus, illustration from Act II Scene 5 of Phedre

Phaedra, Oenone and Hippolytus, illustration from Act II Scene 5 of Phedre
XIR239568 Phaedra, Oenone and Hippolytus, illustration from Act II Scene 5 of Phedre by Jean Racine (1639-99) engraved by Raphael Urbain Massard (1775-1843) 1824 (engraving) (b/w photo)

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Forbidden love, an age-old tale of passion defying societal norms and the confines of familial duty. From Byblis' obsessive love for her father in Pierre Louys' "La Louange des Bienheureuses Tenebres," to Leda's illicit affair with Zeus in "Byblis: Leda," the allure of the forbidden has captivated artists and audiences for centuries. The tragic tale of Romeo and Juliet, immortalized in children's stories, serves as a poignant reminder of the consequences of love that transcends feuds and family loyalties. The taboo of incest is explored in "Fillial Affection, or A Trip to Gretna Green," while Phaedra's unrequited love for her stepson Hippolytus in "Phaedra, Oenone and Hippolytus," leads to a tragic end. These engravings and illustrations, reminiscent of the past, continue to resonate with us, reflecting the timeless nature of forbidden love.