Advanced Search

Peasants Before an Inn

Peasants Before an Inn

Artist: Jan Steen (Dutch, 1626-1679)
Date: 1650s
Dimensions:
H: 19 3/4 in. (50.2 cm); W: 24 1/4 in. (61.6 cm)
Medium: Oil on wood panel
Classification: Paintings
Credit Line: Purchased with funds from the Libbey Endowment, Gift of Edward Drummond Libbey
Object number: 1945.32
Label Text:A bustling village tavern and inn draws not only peasants—some who boldly flirt or merrily dance—but also the prosperous middle class in their starched ruffed collars. The wreath hanging above the entrance announces the arrival of the new wine vintage, which may account for the crowd.

Jan Steen was a master of boisterous scenes full of humorous anecdotes that often carried messages warning against foolish behavior. Did Steen intend such a meaning here? Some possible clues: the serving woman on the balcony tallies up the bar bill on a slate, perhaps symbolizing a “reckoning” for overindulgent behavior. The peasant prominently placed at the center of the composition seems slumped in a stupor from too much wine and tobacco. He is contrasted with the sunflower above him, emblem of those who devote themselves to God just as a sunflower always faces the sun. Though in 17th-century Dutch culture images of peasants often signified boorish and sinful behavior, the middle class also regarded peasants as enviably carefree: note the seated townsman watching the villagers with gentle amusement.
On view
In Collection(s)