Marriage of the Virgin 1663 - 1743

Robert van Audenaerde created this print, "Marriage of the Virgin," sometime between 1663 and 1743. The scene depicts the betrothal of Mary and Joseph, a key moment in Christian theology and a popular subject in art history. Audenaerde's image exists within a long history of representing women in marriage as symbols of purity and devotion, yet it also reflects the social and political context of his time. How does Mary's demure pose and downcast gaze speak to the expectations placed on women in 17th and 18th century European society? Notice the high priest officiating, and consider the power dynamics at play in this sacred union. The surrounding figures and the temple backdrop subtly emphasize the communal and religious significance of marriage. This print invites us to reflect on the historical and cultural constructs that shape our understanding of gender, religion, and relationships. It prompts us to question how traditional narratives can be both upheld and challenged through art.