• This work cross-references other painting by the artist with key or keyhole symbolism.
• See Key of the Heart of a Loved One or Voyeurist.
• Recall Western Passage, where this symbolism can be interpreted as “unlocking” new countries and territories in the age of the sailing fleet.

What separate this work from others by the artist that use the key or keyhole as artifacts? Here, the key and keyhole are kept apart. The introduction of the crescent moon can be viewed as adding a poetic or romantic element. The representation of love in the painting corresponds with the figures of a man and a woman standing as the seahorse enjoying the magic of sunset. They are close, but apart.

It could be supposed that in the twilight hours the key will be taken off its celestial hook to let the lovers through the hidden door into a garden of delights.