![Jean-Baptiste Greuze - The Village Bride [1761]](http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7184/13976602582_c4b4554b18.jpg)
This narrative painting reminiscent of Dutch genre paintings, depicts the moment of the exchange of the dowry from the father into the bridegroom's hand that is being recorded by the public notary and being witnessed by the whole family. The most important focal point is in the middle with the hands exchanging the money. The father is the only one speaking while the rest of the family are rendered displaying different emotions with gestures as part of little vignettes throughout the painting. The contemporary viewer would be able to make a direct connection with the unfolding drama.
[Musée du Louvre, Paris - Oil on canvas, 36 x 46.5 inches]