Bruiloft van Peleus en Thetis c. 1600

Cast in silver, this is Adam van Vianen’s depiction of ‘The Wedding of Peleus and Thetis.’ Van Vianen, working in the early 17th century, was part of a generation grappling with the cultural shifts of the Dutch Golden Age, as well as the rise of the merchant class. Here, he presents a scene rife with classical mythology. The wedding of Peleus and Thetis was no mere mortal affair; it was a convergence of gods and goddesses. In this dense composition the artist presents a vision of power and beauty. Yet, this image isn't just a celebration. It's an assertion of cultural identity at a time of significant social change. The choice to depict a classical scene speaks to the humanistic values embraced by the Dutch elite. Van Vianen positions the Netherlands as a cultural successor to the classical world. It makes you wonder what stories we tell ourselves about who we are.