Huwelijk van Maria en Jozef 1727 - 1755

This engraving of the Marriage of Mary and Joseph, part of the Rijksmuseum’s collection, invites us to consider the social and institutional forces that shaped religious art in the early modern period. Made anonymously, the print depicts the betrothal ceremony within a grand architectural setting, complete with cherubic figures overhead. The Latin and French inscriptions at the bottom suggest an intended audience familiar with religious teachings and these languages. The print likely circulated within a culture deeply influenced by the Catholic Church. The emphasis on marriage and family can be understood within the context of the Counter-Reformation, during which the Church reaffirmed the sanctity of marriage and the importance of religious education within the family. Studying religious prints like these involves archival research into the printmaking trade, religious history, and the social customs of the time. By understanding these elements, we gain insights into the complex interplay between art, religion, and society.