The Unequal Marriage
How much our eyes reveal what we feel? Is it possible to read an entire story through facial and body expressions? Vasilii Purkiev tells us yes. In the work “The Unequal Marriage” he tells the narrative of thousands of women through the faces of three.
The first of them appears highlighted: covered in silk, lace and flowers, she is a virgin bride. Scared and alone, she can barely hold back her tears. While she appears fragile and defenseless, her fiancé stands like a stern general, barely turning his neck to acknowledge his bride. The medal on his jacket is a silent reminder that his military rank will assert itself in every corner of his life.
All the spotlight on her only highlights the fear she feels to see herself surrounded by men who give her no choice but to accept her fate.
The other two women who appear in the scene are nearly fading away, like ghosts, mere memories. The way they look at the groom while still wearing their veils tells us they’ve played this role before and reveals the hidden narrative—a blend of resentment, judgment, and helplessness etched in their eyes.
This painting holds deep personal significance for the artist. Coming from a peasant family, Purkiev grew up with limited financial resources, and his decision to become an art teacher left him with no means to marry the girl he loved. We can see him at the edge of the scene, arms crossed in displeasure, his eyes distant. Watching his beloved being forced to marry for money is a painful sight.
Whether the story behind the author’s personal life is true or not is irrelevant. For decades, arranged marriages have been a reality and the influence of money has always held sway. But is this truly a relic of the past? In much of the Western world, we are free to make our own choices, but are we really? How often have we faced the dilemma between financial gain and pursuing our passions? Between staying and leaving? Have you ever had to choose between adventure and security?
It’s not that different.
But the eyes, the window to the soul, they never lie.