Gedicht ter ere van een zilveren huwelijk en een bruiloft 1792

Editor: I’m looking at “Gedicht ter eere van een zilveren huwelijk en een bruiloft,” created by an anonymous artist in 1792. It seems to be a printed textile, a commemorative poem for a silver wedding anniversary and a wedding celebration. The typography is striking, with all sorts of distinct fonts and embellishments. It feels very formal and celebratory. What catches your eye about this piece? Curator: Well, isn’t it just a dazzling display of typographic exuberance? It throws us back to a time when printing was as much an art form as it was a means of communication. Forget your sleek sans-serifs; this is about showmanship! Imagine the care taken in choosing each typeface, each flourish… it speaks volumes about the importance of these unions and the desire to immortalize them. Do you see how the layout almost creates a portrait of the two couples? Editor: I see what you mean. It’s like the text itself is the portrait, which is interesting. But is it really a portrait? There’s no image or depiction of anyone… Curator: It's a portrait of sorts—a verbal and visual testament, if you will. Consider this—how else could you commemorate such an occasion in those days, if not through ornate prose and skilled handiwork? Each letter a brushstroke, each line a heartfelt verse. It is a slice of life—a glimpse into the social rituals and artistic sensibilities of the late 18th century. Almost makes you wish we still celebrated anniversaries with such… fanfare. Editor: It really does make you think about how we celebrate milestones now versus then. Thank you—I hadn't thought of it that way at all! Curator: My pleasure! Always a delight to unearth the stories hiding in plain sight. It makes you appreciate just how precious these fragile prints are.