The Betrothed

Description

I have interpreted the notion of beauty in terms of an exultation of the senses: the requital of youthful dreams and ardent love in a betrothal. The image depicts a moment of utmost intimacy. With formalities of proposal and announcement over, the couple are now cocooned in the privacy of a warm encompassing darkness. Attention is focused on the body language that radiates a palpable sensuality. Her revealing attire conjures enticement. The deep red of the dress connotes passion, its heat enfolding the male’s seated figure. Glasses of champagne are about to be raised in celebration of the lovers’ present rapture and to the future happiness of their commitment.

The impetus for the painting evolved from a request by friends to photograph them as a memento of their engagement. I had been much taken during the shoot by the beauty of their physical presence and the beauty of their relationship. When subsequently reviewing the multitude of surplus photographs, a particular pose triggered possibilities for a painted work that might evince my perception. In the interest of anonymity, compositional resolution and pictorial intent, the subjects’ countenances and extraneous or distracting details were omitted in the painting.