Wijn van het Sint-Maartensfeest 1658 - 1690

Editor: We’re standing in front of Nicolas Guérard’s "Wine of the Saint Martin's Feast," made sometime between 1658 and 1690. It's a busy engraving, incredibly detailed. My first thought is… chaotic! It’s like a swirling vortex of people. What strikes you most about it? Curator: Chaotic is a great word! It’s almost like a Bruegel painting, crammed with figures all doing something wild. But beyond the frenzy, I see a community event, perhaps more primal than civilized. Note the Saint Martin’s cask they are toppling. This wasn't just about getting drunk, although I'm sure that was part of it! Do you see how many figures are needed to move it? Editor: I do! So it really was a communal effort? The people on the bottom seem to be struggling to maintain their positions... Curator: Exactly. The image might refer to historical peasant revolts in Europe. A ritual to remind each other that they were stronger united, despite potential injuries and inebriation! This feels so connected to basic human needs – community, celebration, and yes, even a little mayhem. Editor: That reframes it completely! I initially saw chaos, but now I'm noticing the shared labor, and the energy of a united community. Even the…mayhem starts to look almost joyful. Curator: That is because now you get what they stand for, and the purpose they have! It makes us reflect on those connections we have with our community as well. Editor: It's amazing how historical context can completely change how you perceive a work of art. Thanks for bringing this to life!