Tanzende Bauern in der Schenke 

Regnu’s watercolor entitled Tanzende Bauern in der Schenke, or Dancing Farmers in the Tavern, portrays a lively scene of merriment and revelry. Made in Germany, this image gives us a glimpse into the social life of peasants, likely in the 16th or 17th century. The tavern, a communal space, becomes a stage for dance, music, and camaraderie. These kinds of images need to be understood in the context of the social hierarchies of the time. The fact that these peasants are dancing and enjoying themselves may reflect a progressive spirit of social leveling. As historians, we use a variety of tools to better understand images like this, including literature and art theory. We can trace the historical trajectory of artistic representations of peasants and understand the changing attitudes toward social classes. It's through this analysis that art's connection to culture becomes clear.