Matrimony, from "The Seven Sacraments" 1754

Curator: This is Johann Anton Riedel’s engraving, “Matrimony, from The Seven Sacraments,” created in 1754. Editor: It has such a somber feel to it, doesn't it? Even though it depicts a marriage ceremony, the grey scale and tight composition make it appear more like a scene of mourning than celebration. Curator: Considering the socio-economic conditions of the time, arranged marriages and limited options for women were the norm. Riedel captures the social rituals surrounding marriage and reflects these prevailing power dynamics through the very process of image-making. Editor: I notice the priest is centrally placed. The fine lines of the engraving are almost sculptural, emphasizing his facial structure and clerical garb while visually conveying his elevated position. Curator: Indeed, note the bride’s posture and modest dress, juxtaposed with the priest's direct gaze. This engraving can be viewed through the lens of class and gender, particularly highlighting labor imbalances and societal expectations perpetuated through religious rituals. The physical labor of Riedel in executing this work mirrors, in a way, the societal roles he's representing. Editor: The attention to detail in the facial expressions is intriguing. Each person present reacts differently to the event: the bride looking solemn and the groom perhaps lost in thoughts. Such meticulous rendering heightens the psychological complexity, inviting a deeper interpretative engagement. Curator: Absolutely. By studying the work, we can see reflections of gender and class and open up more dialogue about that time. Editor: This piece definitely demands careful consideration, allowing the viewer to connect on levels deeper than the surface-level representation of a marital act.