Wedding medallion 1600 - 1625

Heinrich Aldegrever's *Wedding Medallion* depicts a scene of courtship between a man and a woman. The artist, a prominent German engraver, uses the technique of niello to create the intricate details of the scene. The medallion's inscription reads "Dat Jok Begere M Allet Van Dei Frucht Go[d]t Ende Hebbe Lief Mer", which translates to "Because I desire everything from God, let us have love." This inscription, along with the couple's exchange of gifts, alludes to the blessing of a marriage and the divine blessing of the union. The artwork is a fine example of the intricate metalwork and symbolism that flourished in the Renaissance period and reflects the traditional values of the time.