Man en een vrouw aan tafel 1665 - 1750

This untitled print presents a domestic scene rendered with ink on paper. The act of pouring, here performed by the woman, carries echoes from ancient libation rituals meant to honor gods or ancestors. In antiquity, wine was a symbol of transformation, sacrifice, and communion. Observe how the woman’s gesture of pouring reappears across time, from classical depictions of nymphs pouring water to Renaissance portrayals of Mary Magdalene anointing Christ's feet. This seemingly simple act is laden with cultural weight. The pouring gesture is not just about physical action, but also about a deeper psychological connection to shared human experiences of offering, reverence, and transformation. These recurring images tap into collective memory, evoking a sense of timeless continuity. By understanding the emotional and symbolic layers embedded in these gestures, we gain insight into the enduring power of images and their capacity to resonate across centuries.