Vignet med vase og indskrift 1780 - 1787

J.F. Clemens created this small vignette with vase and inscription using engraving techniques sometime between the late 18th and early 19th centuries. This delicate piece presents us with a unique window into the social customs surrounding marriage during this period. At the center, an urn is inscribed with the names Oluf Christian Holt and Anna Juul, suggesting it may have been commissioned as a wedding token. The surrounding imagery, like the budding roses, are classic symbols of love and new beginnings. Behind the urn two pyramids rise into the distance, hinting at the enduring nature of marriage. Yet, the somewhat severe symmetry and formality of the design also speaks to the societal expectations placed upon couples. It makes you wonder, did Oluf and Anna feel empowered by this union, or constrained by the roles they were expected to fulfill? The print invites us to consider the intricate dance between personal emotion and social obligation that shapes our most intimate relationships.