The Feast of the Bean King 

Editor: We’re looking at *The Feast of the Bean King*, a Baroque painting by Jacob Jordaens. What strikes me immediately is the sense of merriment—the painting bursts with faces, each seemingly caught in a moment of boisterous celebration. The composition feels almost chaotic, but somehow everything works. What’s your take? Curator: Chaotic is the perfect word. But it’s a carefully orchestrated chaos, don't you think? Imagine being *at* that party. I suspect there'd be a lot of laughter, a bit of bawdiness and more than a few spilled drinks! Look at the figures vying for space, a dog and a cat vying for scraps, but even with its bacchanalian intensity there's still order here. What do you make of the man with the crown? Editor: Ah, right! Is he "the Bean King," from the title? It looks like a Twelfth Night celebration, judging by the king and general revelry, a Dutch tradition. There's such a theatrical feel; it's easy to imagine this as a still from a play. It almost makes me feel I was present with these persons as I view the scene from here! I would never dare… Curator: Precisely! Jordaens gives us the chance to have fun with everyone on that feast! Think about this composition, where one figure seems to be bursting out, whilst one beside him has had a little bit too much, it's like life happening! Have you had this painting at a party, in your mind, or maybe a celebration of some kind? Editor: Oh yes, indeed. It made me consider these people's lives... Well, it shows us that it might not be that different from our contemporary parties, albeit without modern tech or lights. It might be too bold, but it feels timeless! Curator: Timeless is right, a universal feeling perhaps? Seeing ourselves in the faces of history... that's part of what makes art so potent! You look at these faces and wonder what could make each of them so happy! It fills me with energy, if you ask me. Editor: I concur. Seeing this in person gave me a glimpse of genuine humanity.