Something Old and Something New: Illustrating Spousal Ceremonies in "Religious Ceremonies of the Known World"

Anglicans and Ankara: Europe II

The last volume included in this edition of Religious Ceremonies of the World seems at first a bit random. Bernard explores many Protestant denominations in the volume, including Quakers and Anabaptists. However, Picart includes only one illustration of a Protestant wedding here: la marriage clandestín, a secret tryst between two young Anglicans who did not have parental permission to be married. It was a fascinating choice, one that did not, perhaps, paint the Anglicans in the most flattering light. Picart’s illustration illuminates the secret, sordid side of marriage that often did not see the light of day in books similar to Religious Ceremonies. By helping their readers visualize such a scandal, Bernard and Picart seem to be inviting discussion. They portray immorality in just as complex and inviting a manner as idolatry.
            The other major religious group marriage included in Volume VI is the Turkish. Here is another example, along with the sati Hindu practice and the engagement rituals of the Dutch, of when Picart illustrates a spousal ceremony not strictly within marriage. In one engraving, a Turkish man cuts his own arm as a sign of affection for his potential lover, peeking her head out from the building opposite. Picart ensures the man is slyly looking at the woman as he makes the cut, hoping she will notice him. Also included is a more traditional Turkish marriage ceremony. Once again, readers see similarities across the world, from the veiled bride to the large procession on the way to the ceremony. A celebration is a celebration, no matter where.
 

This page has paths:

Contents of this path: