Huwelijk van Gilbert de Flines en Rebecca de Wolff 1636

This golden marriage coin commemorates the union of Gilbert de Flines and Rebecca de Wolff. At its heart, we observe the joining of hands, a gesture laden with historical and cultural significance. This 'dextrarum junctio,' as the Romans called it, wasn't merely a symbol of agreement, but of loyalty and trust, reappearing across time from ancient funerary monuments to Christian marriage ceremonies. In each instance, it signifies a profound bond, a pledge made visible. Consider how this motif has journeyed through epochs, subtly altering its form while retaining its essence, echoing in countless artworks and rituals. The haloed figure presiding over the couple suggests a divine sanction, underscoring the sacred nature of marriage. This infusion of the sacred speaks to our collective yearning for order and meaning in the face of life’s uncertainties, a powerful force engaging viewers on a deep, subconscious level. Note the cyclical progression of this symbol, how it has resurfaced, evolved, and taken on new meanings in different historical contexts.