Rooms-katholieke huwelijksplechtigheid en de zegening van het huwelijksbed 1724 - 1727

This etching by Bernard Picart, a Dutch artist active from 1673 to 1733, depicts a Catholic wedding ceremony and the blessing of the marriage bed. The artwork, dating from 1724-1727, is housed in the Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam, and provides a detailed look into the customs surrounding marriage in 18th-century Europe. The two scenes, meticulously rendered in the etching technique, showcase the religious and social importance of marriage, as well as the ceremonial aspects that accompanied the union of two individuals. The artwork's style reflects the Rococo period, with its intricate detail and focus on the celebration of life and love. The depiction of a Catholic wedding ceremony and the subsequent blessing of the marriage bed reveals a profound understanding of the social and religious significance of marriage during that era. This is an important artwork for understanding social and religious customs surrounding marriage in 18th-century Europe.