Jewish Wedding – Caspar Philips Jacobsz. after Jacobus Buys, 1780

“Huwelyks-Plegtigheid van de Portugeesche Jooden” [Wedding ceremony of the Portugese Jews]. Etching made by Caspar Philips Jacobsz. (1732-1789), after a drawing made in 1780 by Jacobus Buys (1724-1801). Published in 1781-1791 as part of William Hurd’s book on religions of 18th century Amsterdam. Coloured by a later hand. Size: 22,2 × 16,6 cm.

We see a Jewish wedding ceremony (chatoena חתונה) in which the groom places the ring on the bride’s right index finger—a symbol that the groom will be able to provide for her. The bride sits beneath a chuppah (חוּפָּה, the wedding canopy that symbolizes the home) and is veiled, a sign that their bond is deeper than what the eye can perceive. The rabbi blesses the marriage.

Price: Euro 395,-