Nikolai Bogdanov-Belsky. A Wedding. 1904

A Wedding

Nikolai Bogdanov-Belsky

1904

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This is a peasant wedding in a humble village church portrayed without any sentimentality or gloss. Remember, at that time, glass was an expensive luxury, so, many village churches were rather dark. It appears that two couples are being married at one time, no doubt, to save on the fees paid to the priest for his services.

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Marc Chagall. Wedding Candles. 1945

Wedding Candles

Marc Chagall

1945

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I have three wedding paintings by Chagall in my files. This is the one latest in date. Lisa, if you ever need another Chagall wedding reproduction…

Note well how this piece is more “Jewish” than the other two. It shows, perhaps, that Chagall, as he grew older, had a greater appreciation of his particular roots and sources, although I would say that he always had such, it just became accentuated with age (is that true of all of us? One wonders…).

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Konstantin Makovsky. A Boyar Wedding Feast in the 17th Century. 1883

A Boyar Wedding Feast in the 17th Century

Konstantin Makovsky

1883

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This is, perhaps, the most famous Russian “wedding” painting. One can almost hear the ribald and earthy comments of the guests. There’s an interesting juxtaposition of virginal innocence and randy raunchiness in this painting. It rewards a second look, I say.

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Marc Chagall. Wedding. 1918

Wedding

Marc Chagall

1918

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How about an encore for weddings as a theme? Lisa, here’s another Chagall. Neat, ain’t it?

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