A couple weeks ago, I found the one posted above. It's called "Moral Suasion" and it was painted by a Roman artist by the name of Nikolai Nevrev.
When I first saw it, I was absolutely taken by the woman's angry defiance. It was obvious this was a married couple. Lord knows we've all worn the same expression on our faces. Husband or wife, we have ALL felt exasperated, worn down and angry with our spouse. We may have even wanted to throw in the towel and walk away.
However, if we're lucky, we'll feel the connection forged through our vows during the Sacrament of Marriage.
In this image, that connection is symbolized by the priest who is holding their hands, effectively using himself to physically bridge their divide. God provides the connection even (maybe especially) when we angrily turn away from that which He wants for us.
This is the image of marriage - husband, wife and God.
God is present EVEN when we don't want Him there.
Marriage, after all, isn't always a pretty picture. It's important to show the reality of marriage. Folks need to walk into this vocation with their eyes wide open, because marriage IS FOREVER, regardless of how much society tries to teach you otherwise.
If more folks would do away with the ridiculous notions of Disney "happily ever afters," methinks we'd be so much better off.
Marriage is beautiful, yes, but it's also gritty, hard work and the couple MUST be connected to God in order to stay faithful to their vows.
So yeah - I love this painting!