Huwelijk van Maria 1710

This engraving by Richard van Orley depicts the Marriage of the Virgin, set within a grand interior where Mary and Joseph join hands, symbolizing their sacred union. The high priest presides, bearing witness to their vows, while cherubic figures float above, affirming the divine sanction of the marriage. The motif of clasped hands extends far beyond this scene. Consider the Roman "dextrarum iunctio," a handshake symbolizing agreement and fidelity, found on ancient tombstones and coins. This gesture reappears throughout history, signifying alliances and agreements, yet here, it transcends earthly contracts, embodying a spiritual bond. The cherubs above, reminiscent of classical putti, further infuse the scene with divine love and innocence. These symbols, however, are not static. They evolve, carrying echoes of past meanings while acquiring new significance in different cultural contexts, subtly impacting our subconscious understanding of love, commitment, and divine approval.