The betrothal of the children 1877

Nikolaos Gyzis painted ‘The betrothal of the children’ in oil, capturing a poignant scene from 19th-century Greek life. Gyzis, deeply affected by the socio-political issues of his time, often embedded themes of identity and tradition within his art. Here, the artist draws us into an intimate moment, where we witness the arrangement of a future union between two children. This custom, rooted in the patriarchal structures of the era, reflects the limited agency women possessed, their futures often determined by familial decisions. Note the expressions of the surrounding adults, their faces a mixture of expectation and solemnity, perhaps hinting at the weight of this cultural practice. Gyzis, while documenting this tradition, invites us to reflect on its implications, prompting questions about childhood, agency, and the roles prescribed by society. While the scene may seem distant, its echoes resonate even today. The artwork encourages us to confront uncomfortable aspects of our shared histories and question the legacies they leave behind.