Wedding medallion

A large number of Dutch seventeenth-century engraved silver medals have survived. Some of these were designed to commemorate a special occasion, others, the more common ones, were more generic and were available for purchase to anyone. Among the latter, were so-called huwelijkspenningen, pledges of the promise of marriage, presented to the future bride as proof of the betrothal. After the wedding ceremony had taken place, names and dates could be added to the medal. This silver and silver-gilt huwelijkspenning shows on one side Christ, trampling death, and holding a large cross in his left hand. With his right-hand Christ clasps the hand of the female allegory of Faith holding a chalice in her left hand. A floral wreath is held aloft above her head by an angel. Figures symbolizing Charity and Hope are seen behind Faith. Above a cartouche in radiant light is inscribed with the name of Jehovah. Moses can be identified among the figures in the background by the two stone tablets inscribed with the Ten Commandments he is holding.




The silver-gilt border bears an inscription taken from the Old Testament Song of Salomon (chapter 8, verse 6) which translates in the King James Bible as: “Set me as a seal upon thine heart, as a seal upon thine arm: for love is strong as death; jealousy is cruel as the grave [literally large as hell].”



The reverse shows a lofty church interior with organ and clock where a young couple is married by an elderly priest. Below the feet of the bridal pair an empty cartouche that has not been personalized with the names or initials of the bride and groom or the wedding date. Several figures are seen in the background. The border is inscribed with text taken from Proverbs (chapter 19, verse 14), translated in the King James Bible as: “House and riches are the inheritance of fathers: but a prudent wife is from the Lord.” As well as a text from Ecclesiasticus (chapter 4, verse 23), one of the apocrypha which was published with the King James Bible in 1611. This text translates as: “A friend and companion never meet amiss: but above both is a wife with her husband.”