The Dissimilar Couple, c. 1495-1497
Israhel van Meckenemexpand_more
Engravingexpand_more
Bequest of Herschel V. Jonesexpand_more P.68.233
Not on Viewexpand_more
Israhel van Meckenem engraved a series on the vagaries of love. Here a young woman crosses her arms and glowers as her husband caresses her bottom. The position of his sword suggests his intention, but she’s having none of it. His plain clothes compared to her fashionable ones might be a sign that she married below her station, probably for financial gain. We could say that she now regrets her choice, but in those times, she probably had little say in the matter.
Details
- Title
- The Dissimilar Couple
- Artist Life
- c. 1445–1503
- Role
- Artist
- Accession Number
- P.68.233
- Provenance
- Rev. John Griffith (L. 1464) (sale 1883, No. 171); Colnaghi; Knoedler & Co.
- Catalogue Raisonne
- B.171; NGA 236 Lehrs 502 Hollstein 502
- Curator Approved
This record has been reviewed by our curatorial staff but may be incomplete. These records are frequently revised and enhanced. If you notice a mistake or have additional information about this object, please email collectionsdata@artsmia.org.
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