Ties That Bind.

The article discusses the ways in which American visual culture and sculpture illustrated 19th century views on marriage. It describes decorative prints, fashion plates, and illustrations demonstrating romantic ideals. It notes the idea of feminine submission in the marble sculpture "The Greek Slave" by the artist Hiram Powers and its influence on marriage norms. The article describes the relationship between 19th century American art and issues related to gender and socioeconomic class. The article also discusses the legal and social definitions of marriage, the rise of communal societies and polygamy, and the founding of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.