Boerenbruiloft 1622 - 1665

Curator: Look at this engraving, "Boerenbruiloft," or "Peasant Wedding," created sometime between 1622 and 1665. It's attributed to Cornelis van Dalen I and we hold it here at the Rijksmuseum. It depicts quite a lively scene. Editor: It certainly does! My immediate impression is of a chaotic celebration. Everyone is crammed into the frame, and yet the image remains compelling; it draws the eye in spite of the many swirling, dancing figures. The use of light and shadow helps, doesn't it? Curator: Absolutely. The placement of the figures is clever: some seated, some standing or dancing. Let's not forget it is a narrative piece, so we need to consider this as just one of many such festive paintings, prints and drawings from this period. Its historical and cultural significance lies in depicting everyday life. Editor: Yes, the engraving bursts with imagery—music, food, the table, dancing… Look at the central group! You have an almost Bacchic scene there of revelry with couples dancing. What is its significance? To mark some transition into another stage of the couples' lives, certainly! It has universal appeal, but perhaps speaks specifically to a culture of family at the time. Curator: Well, the figures appear to be common folk—peasants. Images of weddings often served a didactic purpose too. These engravings often cautioned against excessive drinking and indulgence; in fact, many such prints were specifically designed for a rising merchant class who sought ways to remind folk about social status. The work reflects emerging views around moral discipline and a push to curtail rural, traditional excess. Editor: True, but it's hard to ignore the joyous feeling embedded within the chaotic scene. Even with underlying social and political messages, the sheer vitality of the wedding celebration is unmistakable. And even though we may assume the elite didn’t celebrate weddings this way, one can assume that a feast remains at the heart of the celebration. Curator: Agreed! Cornelis van Dalen and others from the time created incredibly detailed artworks that act as incredible snapshots of ordinary lives. Each figure gives hints to how Dutch society in this period lived. Editor: A snapshot which brings our cultural past alive through carefully chosen symbols—it keeps these social memories going. Curator: Well said. These artworks give a face to common life, in an accessible way, and continue to offer fascinating glimpses into our history. Editor: It really does offer viewers a look at our past while inspiring cultural pride to boot.