Rooms-katholieke huwelijksplechtigheid en de zegening van het huwelijksbed 1724 - 1727

Bernard Picart created this print depicting a Catholic wedding ceremony and the blessing of the marital bed, sometime between 1693 and 1733. The image provides a glimpse into the religious and social rituals surrounding marriage in the 18th century. The upper scene shows the wedding ceremony itself, taking place within a grand church, highlighting the central role of the church in legitimizing unions. The lower image shows a subsequent ritual taking place in the couple's home, in which the marital bed is blessed, reflecting the importance of religion in the private sphere of the home. Picart was a French engraver who worked in both France and the Netherlands. The Rijksmuseum's collection catalogues and archives provide some information about Picart and the cultural context in which this print was created. By studying such resources, we can better understand the values, beliefs, and social structures of the time. In this way, we can see the print not just as a historical document, but as an important cultural artefact.