Marriage 1638

Nicolas Poussin, a French artist working in Rome, painted ‘Marriage’ with oil on canvas. As one of a series of seven sacraments, this painting reflects the religious and social environment of the 17th century. Marriage, viewed through a patriarchal lens, was more than a union of individuals. It was a social and economic contract, deeply embedded in the fabric of society. Note how the artist uses classical architecture to stage a marriage ceremony, reminiscent of ancient Roman rituals. Gender roles are pronounced. The bride, veiled and demure, symbolizes purity and submission, while the male figures stand as pillars of authority. Poussin’s composition evokes the weight of social expectations and the limited agency of women within this structure. Consider how ‘Marriage’ embodies both personal commitment and broader societal expectations.