This painting is a scene from Shakespeare's classic tragedy, by Benjamin West, famous for his history paintings. Just like the play, the figures in West’s painting are positioned like they would be if they were on a stage. Of course, the play doesn't end so ideally. But Hallmark tells us not to think about that kind of stuff today, so we don't.

Scaramouche and Columbine, circa 1890
Modeled by Johann Joachim Kändler

This porcelain statue of Scaramouche and Columbine embracing is a scene from the Italian Comedy that originated in Italy during the Renaissance, a period so flush with arts money that men could afford to dress more like women. The Italian Comedy performers had no script and thus they would improvise as the play progressed. Seeing these actors caught up in the moment of the scene, it can’t help but evoke past memories of passion.

Venus Victorius, 1914
By Pierre Auguste Renoir

Venus Victorius by Renoir shows Venus, goddess of love in Roman mythology, victorious after she defeated Juno and Minerva as the fairest goddess in “The Judgment of Paris.” The prize, apart from the title, was a golden apple seen in her right hand. Which sculpture in our Sculpture Garden do you think is the fairest?

LOVE, Red Blue, 1966-1997
By Robert Indiana

Not a Warhol, this iconic image is located in the Sydney and Walda Besthoff Sculpture Garden. A famed version of this sculpture is located in Philadelphia. But we prefer seeing it on a Friday night moonlit stroll through NOMA's idyllic sculpture garden, where there aren't so many boxers running up and down the steps.

The White Lilacs, 1930-1933
By Marc Chagall

This painting by Chagall has a dreamlike quality, as the faint figures seem to float in space behind the large vase of prominent flowers in the foreground. Based on research, it appears to be less Georgia O'Keeffe, and more Meg Ryan. What does this dreamy scene remind you of? The first time you met your special someone? A first kiss?
 

The Toilet of Psyche, 1735-1736
By Charles Joseph Natoire

While it might sound more like a lost Beckett play, this lavish Rococo work by Natoire shows Psyche getting ready, rather than being flushed. In Greek mythology, Psyche is a mortal who is so beautiful she gets the attention of Aphrodite, the goddess of love, and thus cupid. The story ends, after many trials and tribulations, with Psyche becoming both a goddess and the wife of Cupid.

Whisperings of Love, 1889

By Adolphe-William Bouguereau

Whisperings of Love shows one of Bouguereau's famed mythological scenes, With cupid whispering sweet nothings in her ear, and the serene look on the subject’s face, it communicates more hope for love than 1,000 Hallmark focus groups.