Huwelijk van prinses Louise van België, 1875 1875

This engraving from 1875 by A. Daudenarde captures the wedding of Princess Louise of Belgium. The central motif is the joining of hands, a symbolic gesture that transcends time. In ancient Rome, the "dextrarum iunctio" symbolized alliance and fidelity, not unlike the wedding vows exchanged here. We see this gesture echoing through centuries in different contexts, from Roman reliefs to Renaissance paintings, each time imbued with the significance of unity and commitment. The hands of the bride and groom, blessed by the bishop, create a potent image. Consider how, even in our modern age, the handshake retains its power as a symbol of agreement and trust. This continuity speaks to the enduring nature of human emotions and societal structures, all preserved in visual form. The recurring motif invites us to reflect on the cyclical progression of history.