The artwork, titled “Marriage Certificate,” was created by Currier and Ives in the year 1869. This piece belongs to the Romanticism art movement and is classified under the genre of design.
In this artwork, we observe a composition that embodies the aesthetic and thematic qualities typical of Romanticism through intricate design and detailed illustration. Dominated by a large, bold, and ornate title reading “Marriage Certificate” at the top, the image centers around a solemn wedding ceremony. The scene depicts a minister officiating the vows while the bride and groom, along with two witnesses, stand nearby. The bridal party is adorned in formal attire characteristic of the 19th century; the men in tailored suits and the women in flowing, white gowns. The backdrop features heavy curtains, contributing to the overall ambiance of solemnity and reverence appropriate for such a significant life event. Additionally, the lower portion of the artwork contains space for personal details of the marriage, allowing it to be used as an actual certificate, blending function with artistic expression.