Huwelijk van Tobias en Sara 1543

Georg Pencz created this engraving, "Marriage of Tobias and Sarah," in the 16th century. At its heart lies a potent symbol: the joining of hands. Here, this gesture signifies the binding agreement between families, uniting not just two individuals but their legacies. Think back to ancient Roman marriage ceremonies, where the "dextrarum iunctio," the joining of right hands, sealed a sacred bond. This motif appears across cultures and centuries, a constant echo in the visual lexicon of human connection. Consider, too, the ever-watchful angel in the image, a guardian with outstretched wings. This figure is reminiscent of winged victories in antiquity, and Renaissance depictions of divine messengers, embodying protection, guidance and the profound emotional weight of faith and destiny. As we observe the cyclical nature of symbols, it is clear that they resurface and evolve, adapting to their cultural environment.