The Wedding of Stephen Beckingham and Mary Cox 1729

William Hogarth captured "The Wedding of Stephen Beckingham and Mary Cox" with oil on canvas, immortalizing the social rituals of his time. Above the wedding ceremony, winged cherubs float amidst a cloud, symbols of love and divine blessing, common in Renaissance art. These figures hearken back to classical depictions of Cupid and Psyche, where cherubs attend Aphrodite, goddess of love. Over time, they've evolved from pagan deities to Christian symbols of purity and innocence, often seen in religious art, signifying heavenly approval. Consider how such imagery taps into our collective memory, evoking feelings of hope and joy. These symbols aren't just visual elements; they engage our emotions on a profound level, weaving personal experiences with cultural narratives and historical echoes.