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, initials and a date could be added to the medal.
This silver huwelijkspenning shows on the obverse a couple in a lofty architectural setting, probably a church interior, holding each other by the right hand. This so-called dextrarum iunctio, the shaking of each other’s right hand is a metaphor of marital unity and symbolizes the promise of faithfulness. This gesture is still practiced at wedding ceremonies today.
The reverse side illustrates a scene from the Old Testament story of Adam and Eve. Having eaten the forbidden fruit, the couple cover themselves realizing that they are naked. At right, standing next to the Tree of Knowledge, God admonishes them. (Genesis; chapter 3, verses 8-9). This scene is based on an engraving dating to 1540 by the German artist Heinrich Aldegrever (ca. 1502–1555/1561) [See 41.1.134].
This silver huwelijkspenning shows on the obverse a couple in a lofty architectural setting, probably a church interior, holding each other by the right hand. This so-called dextrarum iunctio, the shaking of each other’s right hand is a metaphor of marital unity and symbolizes the promise of faithfulness. This gesture is still practiced at wedding ceremonies today.
The reverse side illustrates a scene from the Old Testament story of Adam and Eve. Having eaten the forbidden fruit, the couple cover themselves realizing that they are naked. At right, standing next to the Tree of Knowledge, God admonishes them. (Genesis; chapter 3, verses 8-9). This scene is based on an engraving dating to 1540 by the German artist Heinrich Aldegrever (ca. 1502–1555/1561) [See 41.1.134].
Artwork Details
- Title: Wedding medallion
- Artist: After a print by Heinrich Aldegrever (German, Paderborn ca. 1502–1555/1561 Soest)
- Date: 1600–1625
- Culture: Dutch
- Medium: Silver
- Dimensions: Diameter: 1 7/8 in. (4.8 cm)
- Classification: Medals and Plaquettes
- Credit Line: Bequest of Rupert L. Joseph, 1959
- Object Number: 60.55.36
- Curatorial Department: European Sculpture and Decorative Arts
More Artwork
A slider containing 5 items.
Press the down key to skip to the last item.
Press the down key to skip to the last item.
Heinrich Aldegrever
1540
Heinrich Aldegrever
1532
Heinrich Aldegrever
1539
Heinrich Aldegrever
1549
Heinrich Aldegrever
1517–61
Research Resources
The Met provides unparalleled resources for research and welcomes an international community of students and scholars. The Met's Open Access API is where creators and researchers can connect to the The Met collection. Open Access data and public domain images are available for unrestricted commercial and noncommercial use without permission or fee.
To request images under copyright and other restrictions, please use this Image Request form.
Feedback
We continue to research and examine historical and cultural context for objects in The Met collection. If you have comments or questions about this object record, please complete and submit this form. The Museum looks forward to receiving your comments.