Fotoreproductie van een lithografie naar een schilderij van August Riedel c. 1865

This is a photo reproduction of a lithograph after a painting by August Riedel, made by Piloty & Löhle, its date unknown. It depicts a young woman in a veil, hands clasped gently. The veil, a symbol of purity and transition, has roots stretching back to ancient Roman bridal traditions, where it warded off evil spirits and symbolized the bride's modesty. We see echoes of this in countless depictions of the Virgin Mary, her head often covered, signifying her sacred role. The gesture of clasped hands is also deeply resonant. In Renaissance paintings, hands folded in prayer signify devotion. Yet here, the woman’s hands are clasped lower, suggesting not just piety but a contemplative, introspective mood. It's fascinating how these motifs persist, adapting to different eras and artistic styles, each time carrying a trace of their original symbolic weight, engaging our subconscious understanding of the human condition.