The Queens' greeting 1812

Peter Cornelius crafted this drawing, "The Queens' Greeting," with pencil at an unknown date, now residing in the Städel Museum. The embrace between the queens, the central motif, transcends mere affection. It echoes the "coniunctio," the alchemical marriage, symbolizing the union of opposites. This embrace is a potent image, reminiscent of classical depictions of concordia, harmony between states, yet here imbued with personal, almost maternal warmth. Consider the recurring motif of the embrace throughout history. From the biblical reunion of Jacob and Esau to countless depictions of the Virgin Mary embracing Elizabeth. Each iteration carries its own emotional weight, shaped by its specific cultural moment. This greeting, like others, serves as a touchstone, tapping into our collective memory of reconciliation and kinship. The emotion it evokes speaks to a deep, almost primal need for connection. The psychological resonance of this act is a testament to its enduring power in visual culture. Such a symbolic, cyclical return reminds us of the continuous rebirth and evolution of visual motifs across time.