Twee mannen buigen staaf krom en vrouw schuift ring aan vinger man 1510 - 1527

This engraving by Marcantonio Raimondi, made around the early 16th century, depicts a marriage scene of labor and submission. The image shows two male figures bending a metal rod into a circle, while a woman kneels, struggling to place the ring onto the finger of one of the men. During the Renaissance, marriage was often portrayed as an alliance, yet here it's tinged with the subjugation of women, highlighting societal expectations of female obedience and the physical demands placed upon them. The men are robust and active, while the woman’s kneeling position denotes inferiority. This image thus embodies the gender dynamics of the time, showcasing the constraints and expectations placed upon women within the marital structure. The artwork serves as a poignant reminder of the historical imbalances in gender roles, inviting us to reflect on the progress made and the ongoing struggle for equality.