Description of the painting by Firs Zhuravlev “Before the crown”

Description of the painting by Firs Zhuravlev Before the crown

This canvas, like many other paintings by Zhuravlev, depicts the dramatic and “backstage” world of the 19th century, reflected in Ostrovsky’s numerous plays. Another love drama unfolds in front of the viewer – a young bride sits on her lap in sobs.

Marriage of convenience is not uncommon in those times. So this young lady prepared the role of the wife of the person she dislikes. Most likely, her future husband is rich and very notable, but, alas, old and unpleasant to her. Nevertheless, a profitable marriage is much more convenient for the parents of the bride, who thus decided to significantly improve their precarious position in society.

The walls of the house are decorated with the faces of saints – the parents of the bride are deep-believing people. The bride’s father has prepared for the blessing of her daughter for marriage, she holds an icon in her hands, but now she is at a loss and

is watching her, not understanding what actions are required of him.

The mother of the bride is standing behind the father. In the hands of her dish with freshly baked bread and bridal salt. The situation has put the bride’s parents in an extremely awkward position: confusion and surprise are on their faces.

In the background, the viewer sees the groom and his relatives. Detained by the wait, they decided to finally enter the door of the room. There is noticeable whispering between guests – such an event has attracted too much negative attention. The groom’s condition is also noticeable – he is extremely dissatisfied with what is happening here and is ready to leave the place at any moment so as not to observe this shame.

The viewer can assume that the outcome of this event does not bode well for either the bride or her parents. Most likely, this behavior of the bride angered the groom in earnest. This event could even upset the upcoming marriage, saving the girl from the sad fate of becoming the wife of the unloved, however, notoriety would only add problems to her and her family.


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Description of the painting by Firs Zhuravlev “Before the crown”