DUTCH SCHOOL (17th Century)

A rare portrait miniature depiction of a hand-fasting ceremony, with three figures standing in a room lined with books

circa 1675
Watercolour on vellum
Oval, 95 mm (3 ¾ in) high
Original tortoiseshell case with mirror interior, the case held with flaming heart lock
 

SOLD

'In the Netherlands, handfasting was recognised not as a pagan ritual, but as a formal, legally binding betrothal or engagement contract.'
This fascinating scene, hidden in its original case with a mirror, shows a handfasting ceremony, with a woman binding the hand of the centre figure, a gentleman, to a lady standing to his side with a black ribbon. The scene is set in the same way as the interiors of the Dutch Golden Age oil paintings and can possibly be attributed to Gesina ter Borch (1631-1690) or her circle, who painted similar scenes, many of which are now in the Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam. Gesina was born into an artistic family and is often defined as an “amateur” artist. She never apprenticed professionally, never joined a guild, never showed her works publicly, and, as far as we know, never sold a work of art. Eclipsed by her more famous older brother, professional painter Gerard ter Borch II, Gesina ter Borch’s artwork never received interest outside of her immediate social circle during her lifetime or in the centuries following, until in the 19th century an album of her small watercolours was discovered (now in the Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam). Often illustrating romantic poetry, Gesina ter Borch began working on this Materi-boeck, a collection of short texts and aphorisms in calligraphy, around the age of fourteen. The small figures already display Ter Borch’s eye for anecdotal detail. They perform household chores, engage in conversation or court each other.

Handfasting as a practice was a Germanic tradition derived from the Old Norse handfesta, meaning ‘to strike a bargain by joining hands’. In the Netherlands, handfasting was recognised not as a pagan ritual, but as a formal, legally binding betrothal or engagement contract. It acted to the official church or civil marriage (the trouwen).

The original case, with its handcrafted silver hinge in the shape of a flaming heart, shows that this mirror would have a treasured possession, recording the marriage of the owner to be viewed only upon opening.
Private collection, Europe.

shipping notice

Worldwide shipping is included in all prices.

The Limner Company does not accept any responsibility for import duty, this is to be paid by the buyer.

Some stock items contain materials from endangered species which are governed by CITES regulations and will require a permit to export outside of Great Britain. If a certificate of export is required then this will be the responsibility of and paid for by the buyer .

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A rare portrait miniature depiction of a hand-fasting ceremony, with three figures standing in a room lined with books

DUTCH SCHOOL (17th Century)

A rare portrait miniature depiction of a hand-fasting ceremony, with three figures standing in a room lined with books

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shipping notice

The item added to cart contains materials from endangered or protected species. The Limner Company cannot arrange for the delivery of artworks containing ivory, tortoiseshell, or mother of pearl outside of the UK due to import restrictions. The buyer or designated agent may collect the property in the country of sale.

You are advised that several countries prohibit the importation of any items made from or containing certain endangered or protected species (such as ivory, tortoiseshell, or mother of pearl), while other countries will require a permit (e.g. a CITES licence). Such permits must be obtained from the relevant regulatory body in both the country of importation and exportation. If you intend to import such items into another country you should familiarise yourself with the relevant customs regulations and laws before purchase. Delays or refusal of import or export of such works shall not permit cancellation of a sale. It is your responsibility to satisfy any laws or regulations applying to the import or export of any work containing such protected species. For further information on the protected species listed please visit the CITES website:http://www.cites.org/. For further information about import and export regulations please visit:http://www.defra.gov.uk/ahvla-en/imports-exports/cites/. On request, the Company can assist with or apply for a license on your behalf.

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shipping TERMS AND CONDITIONS

Worldwide shipping is included in all prices.

The Limner Company does not accept any responsibility for import duty, this is to be paid by the buyer.

See Section 7.5 in Terms & Conditions for information on export/import regulations. Please contact us to discuss shipping options. Some stock items contain materials from endangered species which are governed by CITES regulations and will require a permit to export outside of Great Britain. If a certificate of export is required then this will be the responsibility of and paid for by the buyer.

See Section 7.5 in Terms & Conditions for information on export/import regulations.

Please contact us to discuss shipping options.

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