These works were probably for a ceiling and form a complete series. They may have been commissioned by Emperor Rudolf II (died 1612) for a ceiling in the castle at Prague. Alternatively they may have been painted for a location in Venice, as two details from them are recorded in Van Dyck's Italian Sketchbook.

The four paintings are Allegories of Love, each concentrating on a specific aspect. In turn, they deal with 'Unfaithfulness', 'Scorn', 'Respect' and 'Happy Union'. The costumes and hairstyles may indicate a date in the 1570s.