Hertog Adolf van Gelre tracht met geweld Maria van Bourgondië te huwen, 1477 1774

Reinier Vinkeles created this print, Hertog Adolf van Gelre tracht met geweld Maria van Bourgondië te huwen, 1477, which translates to "Duke Adolf of Guelders violently tries to marry Mary of Burgundy, 1477," sometime between 1741 and 1816. Set inside a church, the print depicts a dramatic scene of attempted forced marriage. A high-ranking clergyman is attempting to join the hands of the couple, while armed men look on. The woman, presumably Mary of Burgundy, appears distressed and is being coerced into the union. This print offers a glimpse into the gendered power dynamics of the 15th century. Marriages were often strategic alliances, with women frequently used as pawns to consolidate political power and wealth. The scene evokes an emotional response, revealing the vulnerability of women in a patriarchal society. Vinkeles’ print reflects societal issues around gender and power, compelling us to reflect on the personal dimensions of the artwork.