Artist: Jacob Lawrence
Medium: egg tempera on hardboard
Date: c. 1948

Jacob Lawrence once wrote, “For me, the most important function of art is observation.” In The Wedding, Lawrence simultaneously depicts the solemnity and the joy of the marriage ceremony. Although the preacher’s face is only partially defined, he appears to look down with great seriousness at the couple as they contemplate their vows. The large, colorful urns overflowing with brilliant flowers signify the happiness of the scene and may also represent the future prosperity of this union.