The Parable of the Marriage Feast c. 1576 - 1580

Léonard Gaultier created "The Parable of the Marriage Feast" as an engraving in France during a period of religious and social upheaval. This artwork depicts a biblical scene, but it also reflects the social hierarchies and power dynamics prevalent in 16th-century France. Notice how the king sits at the head of the table, elevated and surrounded by his court, while the common man is being bound and cast out. The visual codes here speak volumes about the social order, with the king embodying authority and the common man representing those deemed unworthy or disruptive. It serves as a potent commentary on the social structures of its time, reinforcing the power of the elite while marginalizing the lower classes. By examining historical documents, religious texts, and social commentaries from the period, we can gain a deeper understanding of its meaning within its original context.