In this painting, we identify the theme of celebration, in this case a wedding, which we know to be one of the artist's favourite subjects. Like pagan festivals, processions, fairs and votive offerings, which are themes from her childhood but also from traditional decorative arts, such as the ceramics and embroidery of Viana do Castelo and Castelo Branco, which she greatly admired. We see an enchanting portrait of a traditional ceremony rooted in a deeply rural landscape. These impressions are revealed through the colours of the composition, the figures' costumes, the festive arch over the bride and groom, the band in regional uniform, the yoke that binds the oxen, but also through the entire family composition and the delightfully photographic pose of the painting. Without being intimidated by her academic and erudite education, this sensitive vocabulary was also developed by Sarah Affonso in various illustrations and tapestries.

SP