Bas-reliëf met de voorstelling van een huwelijk 1636 - 1647

This engraving by Lucio Mosconi presents a marriage scene frozen in time, echoing ancient Roman reliefs. Note the clasped hands, a gesture known as "dextrarum iunctio," symbolizing agreement and unity between the couple. But observe how this motif extends beyond matrimony. We see it in ancient depictions of treaties, alliances, and even friendship. The act transcends mere greeting, becoming a potent emblem of concord, a visual language of interpersonal commitment. Consider, too, the accompanying figures. Are they witnesses to the vows, guardians of the sacred rite? The dog, a common symbol of fidelity, adds another layer of meaning, reinforcing the theme of loyalty. The emotional weight of this simple gesture is profound. The union of hands speaks to our deeply ingrained need for connection, for finding solace and strength in another. It's a reminder of the bonds that tie us together, across generations and cultures. Like a recurring dream, this image resurfaces, carrying the weight of history and emotion, always relevant, forever potent.