Twee dames in een vertrek 1620 - 1660

Adriaen Matham created this engraving, "Two Ladies in a Room," in the 17th century, featuring two women and a cupid-like figure holding a banner that reads 'suitor'. The act of touching hands, so central to the composition, speaks volumes. This gesture, laden with social and legal implications, appears across epochs, from Roman marriage contracts to Renaissance betrothals. Note how in earlier Roman depictions, this joining of hands, the 'dextrarum iunctio,' symbolized not just agreement but a sacred bond, invoking familial and societal blessings. Yet, observe the cupid, a figure originating in classical antiquity as Eros, god of love, now repurposed to sanction a union perhaps more about social standing than heartfelt emotion. The transformation of Eros from a primal force to a societal arbiter underscores a poignant commentary on the evolving nature of love and marriage. This image serves as a potent reminder of how deeply societal expectations can permeate even our most intimate connections.