“The Wedding of Stephen Beckingham and Mary Cox” is an oil on canvas artwork by William Hogarth, dated circa 1729, and measuring 128.5 x 103 cm. This piece, which belongs to the Rococo art movement, is a portrait and symbolic painting. It is housed at the Metropolitan Museum of Art (Met) in New York City, NY, US.
The artwork portrays an elaborate wedding ceremony set within a grand architectural interior, characteristic of the Rococo style. At the center, the bride and groom, Stephen Beckingham and Mary Cox, are depicted solemnly exchanging vows, under the supervision of a cleric. They are surrounded by elegantly dressed attendees who witness the sacred union. Noteworthy is Hogarth’s attention to detail in the depiction of garments, expressions, and the opulent surroundings. The presence of symbolic elements, such as cherubs and classical architecture, further enriches the portrayal, hinting at themes of purity, love, and social stature. The scene is imbued with an air of formality and grandeur, reflecting both the personal significance of the event and the societal norms of the period.
