Huwelijk van Amaryllis en Mirtillo c. 1695 - 1705

Richard van Orley created this engraving, "Huwelijk van Amaryllis en Mirtillo", in the late 17th or early 18th century, a period defined by rigid social hierarchies and the burgeoning influence of Enlightenment ideals. Here, van Orley depicts a marriage scene inspired by classical mythology. The composition, however, subtly reinforces the era's social stratification. While the central figures and celebrants are bathed in light and occupy a privileged space, other figures are placed on the periphery, in shadow. The work is rife with cherubs, symbols of innocence, love, and the natural order. Yet, these motifs exist alongside figures that seem burdened, their postures suggesting a life far removed from the ethereal joy of the wedding. The artist, working under the patronage system, was often tasked with creating images that reinforced the status quo while engaging with the period’s fascination with classical themes. This engraving invites us to reflect on the stories we tell about love, power, and the societal structures that frame our understanding of both.