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Image Licensing : Steen - The Egg Dance J040065
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Steen - The Egg Dance J040065
APSLEY HOUSE, London. " The Egg Dance: Peasants Merrymaking in an Inn " by Jan STEEN (1625/6-79). Historic England is the public body that champions and protects England's historic places. © Historic England
Media ID 628124
Filename: J040065.jpg
Size: 4550 x 3840 (23.3MB)
Date: 26th October 2007
Source: Historic England
Credit: Historic England Photo Library
Source: English Heritage Images
Dutch Leisure Paintings Public House Recreation
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This painting by Dutch artist Jan Steen, titled "The Egg Dance: Peasants Merrymaking in an Inn," showcases the lively and carefree spirit of rural life in the 17th century. The scene unfolds in a cozy public house or inn, where peasants have gathered to let loose and enjoy each other's company. The center of attention is a group of women engaged in an egg dance, a traditional folk game. Each woman holds an egg in one hand, while the other hand is interlocked with the hand of the woman in front of her, forming a chain. The woman at the end of the line holds a cloth, which is used to tap the feet of the women in the line, causing them to drop their eggs. If a woman drops her egg, she is out of the game, adding an element of excitement and competition to the festivities. The painting is filled with intricate details that bring the scene to life. The warm colors and rich textures of the clothing and the rustic interior of the inn create a sense of warmth and inviting atmosphere. The expressions on the faces of the peasants, from the joyous laughter of the women in the egg dance to the mischievous grins of the men, convey the pure joy and camaraderie of the moment. Jan Steen was a master of genre painting, a popular art form in the Netherlands during the 17th century that depicted everyday life. This painting is a prime example of Steen's ability to capture the essence of human emotion and the simple pleasures of rural life. The Egg Dance: Peasants Merrymaking in an Inn is a delightful and charming glimpse into the past, reminding us of the importance of community, tradition, and the simple joys of life.
