WEDDING IN TOROPETS
Unknown Russian artist
End of XVIII Century
Canvas, oil paints
69 х 86,5 cm
Purchased previously
Open storage
This painting is a rare example of folk genre painting of the XVIII Century. It illustrates one of the old time rites of the pre-wedding events that preceded the sacrament of the Church wedding - bachelorette party, the celebration of the end of maiden life on the eve of the wedding in the old town of Toropets in Pskov province.
Toropets longer than all other cities retained customs and rituals of pre-Petrine antiquity. The dedication to the old traditions was manifested in the use of national dress among different segments of the urban population.
More information...The women’s costumes of Toropets merchants and commoners were famous for their unusual beauty – they combined elements of national and European fashion. Women’s Kokoshniks (high headdress) were covered by a large shawl, commonly were used fans – "machalica" (wavers). Married women in public covered half of their face with a shawl or a fan. Intricate, original outfits were worn both by merchants and commoners and by Noble women as well.
The main characters of the picture are a girl sitting at the head table – the bride - and a man-the groom - standing in front of a group of guests. Next to the bride sits the little girl, dressed in European dress, she is probably "Podnevestnica" (sub-bride), she substitutes the bride at certain moments of the rite. Bridesmaids that are sitting at the table are also covering their faces with fans.
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