Allegorical representation of the wedding of a member of the von Ringles family in Strasburg with a von Hengel
ca. 1590
Medium
Classification
Department
Smithsonian Collection
Museum
Smithsonian American Art Museum
Credit
Museum purchase from the Mary Hearn Greims Fund
Accession Number
1946-16-4
Rights
Public Domain
About this artwork
Research in Progress
Art Historical Context
This intriguing print, titled *Allegorical Representation of the Wedding of a Member of von Ringles Family inburg with a von Heng*, dates to around 1590 and captures a noble union in the vibrant city of Strasbourg (then Strasburg in the Holy Roman Empire). Created by an unknown artist, uses allegory—a popular Renaissance convention—to symbolize the marriage through symbolic figures, virtues, or mythological motifs, celebrating the alliance between two prominent. Such artworks often served as commemorative keepsakes, blending personal milestone with broader themes of harmony, fertility, and prosperity. As a print, likely produced via engraving or woodcut, this piece exemplifies the era's revolutionary printmaking techniques, which allowed for widespread dissemination of elaborate designs beyond elite patronage. In Strasbourg, a hub of Renaissance printing influenced by artists like Hans Baldung Grien, these works bridged art and society, preserving aristocratic events for posterity. Its presence in the Smithsonian American Art Museum's collection, acquired through the Mary Hearn Greims Fund, underscores its rarity and ongoing scholarly interest—research continues to uncover more about its creation and context. Though details remain elusive, this artifact offers a window into late 16th-century European nobility, where art immortalized dynastic ties amid religious and political upheavals. A testament to print's enduring power!
About the Artist
Unknown
The artist designated as "Unknown" in our virtual museum's collection exemplifies a poignant chapter in art history: creators whose identities have faded into obscurity despite the enduring power of their work. With only one known artwork attributed to them in our holdings, this figure represents countless anonymous hands that shaped visual culture across centuries. Museums worldwide, including th...