Boerenfeest 1767 - 1780

Bernhard Schreuder captured this lively ‘Boerenfeest’ or peasant festival, in pen, black ink and watercolour. In the late 18th century, Dutch society was highly stratified, and depictions of peasant life were often romanticized, emphasizing their simplicity and connection to the land. But note the way that the peasantry are set apart from the viewer. We are not in that crowd of people. This creates an explicit class dynamic where the viewer observes the working class. The emotional heart of the piece seems to come from the revelry and release these individuals experience during the festival. It’s worth considering how this representation might mask the realities of peasant life, such as poverty, hard labor, and social inequality. What remains is the image of revelry, celebration, and the momentary suspension of social norms. It’s a potent reminder of how cultural narratives shape perceptions of identity and lived experience.