Inspiration for the paintings has been taken from 16th century northern and middle European portraits traditionally depicting recently engaged men with a single carnation in their hand, as a symbol of their engagement. The inspiration for a series of two paintings depicting the figure from two sides is referred to in the paintings themselves, worn by the model. A 15th century Italian cameo with a double portrait worn on a black velvet ribbon tied around his neck. The cameo is depicting a male face in profile and the frontal view of a female face behind it, and has most likely been an engagement gift meant to symbolise marital connection and faithfulness. Both these positions have been occupied by the same model in Proposition, again hinting on his self-centered attitude. The big baroque pearl earrings, although today commonly understood as an adoration for women, have sometimes been worn by noblemen in the Elizabethan Age. The GUCCI brass ring with a lion head holding a heart pendant in it's mouth has different meanings within the context of the works. Not only does the ring itself and it's passing-on symbolise engagement, the heart is a symbol for love and the lion refers to not only the model's real name (Leonhard) but also to the painter's zodiac sign.