Hans Sebald Beham (1500 - 1550)
The Peasants Feast
Title
The Peasants Feast
Dating
1546 - 1547
Material/Technique
Engraving on paper
Dimensions
Tryckyta 5,10 x 7,30 cm
Papper 5,40 x 7,70 cm
Category
Inventory number
G Q 1395/1911
Acquisition
Gift of Oscar Quensel, 1911
Display Status
Not on display at the museum
Description
In small prints showing peasants, Beham demonstrates his great skill in depicting humans and everyday life.
Looking closely, we notice the rich details that give the images an extra dimension of liveliness. The peasants are dancing, drinking, making out and vomiting. The costumes are many and varied. Sometimes, we take part of fights and ludicrous attempts at seduction.
The popular touch shown by Beham was typical of the artists from the German-speaking part of Europe. Not seldom, motifs were fetched from proverbs or well-known jokes. Here, filth and humour was allowed, in contrast to the situation in Italian art, which often contains more idealised motifs. For those who are interested in how people lived in the 16th century, Beham’s prints are a goldmine.
Signature/Inscription
Signature (uppe i mitten i plåten): HSB
Inscriptions (Uppe till vänster i plåten): 8
Inscriptions (Uppe till vänster i plåten): ALDER DV MVST DANCZEN
Etikett/Stämpel (a tergo nere till höger): GM
Inscriptions (a tergo nere till vänster): 1395/1911
Inscriptions (a tergo nere mitten): B 161
Exhibition History
Printed. Prints as collector's items, mass media and showpieces, Göteborg, Göteborgs konstmuseum, 14/03/2020 - 16/08/2020
Weblink