Allegorische voorstelling ter gelegenheid van het huwelijk van David Leeuw van Lennep en Hester Barnaart 1723

Bernard Picart created this allegorical print to commemorate the marriage of David Leeuw van Lennep and Hester Barnaart. The scene overflows with symbols of love and prosperity. Above, we see Venus and Cupid, deities of love, floating amidst clouds, while below, cherubic figures frolic around symbols of fertility. Such imagery connects to ancient Roman wedding traditions, where invoking Venus ensured a blessed union. Observe how the central figures exchange vows, a gesture laden with historical weight. The hand clasp, or "dextrarum iunctio", can be traced back to ancient Rome, signifying agreement and fidelity. Interestingly, this motif appears in various contexts, from Roman marriage reliefs to medieval Christian iconography, evolving to symbolize not just marital vows but also alliances and peace treaties. It's a powerful reminder of how gestures transcend time, carrying layers of meaning. The gesture triggers a primal understanding of connection and commitment. Thus, this emblem of joined hands, witnessed across millennia, echoes our deepest desires for unity and harmony, resurfacing in new forms, each bearing the weight of history and emotion.