Hans Sebald Beham (1500 - 1550)

The Peasants Feast

Title
The Peasants Feast
Dating
1546 - 1547
Material/Technique
Engraving on paper
Dimensions
Mått 5,10 x 7,30 cm
Inventory number
G Q 1396/1911
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 till höger i plåten): HSB Inscriptions (Uppe till vänster i plåten): 10 Inscriptions (Upptill i plåten): ICH WIL AVCH MIR Inscriptions (Upptill i plåten): DV MACHSTES GAR ZV GROB Inscriptions (Uppe till vänster i plåten): 10 Etikett/Stämpel (a tergo nere till vänster): GM Inscriptions (a tergo nere till vänster): 1396/1911 Inscriptions (a tergo uppe till vänster): B 163 Inscriptions (a tergo nere till vänster): x 8420 Inscriptions ( a tergo): otydlig text
Exhibition History
Printed. Prints as collector's items, mass media and showpieces, Göteborg, Göteborgs konstmuseum, 14/03/2020 - 16/08/2020
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