De huwelijksweegschaal c. 1590 - 1595

"De huwelijksweegschaal" (The Marriage Scale), an engraving created by Pieter de Jode I around 1590-1595, depicts a woman being weighed on a scale, symbolizing the complexities of marriage. The woman is positioned between a young man and an older man, potentially representing a choice between love and wealth. The scene takes place in a grand hall, with Cupid and a group of observers present, hinting at the societal pressure surrounding marriage in the late 16th century. The artwork, now housed in the Rijksmuseum, measures 199 cm high and 261 cm wide. This large-scale print is a testament to the significant attention given to societal expectations and the complex dynamics of marriage during this period.