Peasants Making Merry (Kermis) 1574

Lucas van Valckenborch's "Peasants Making Merry (Kermis)" (1574) depicts a lively scene of Flemish peasants celebrating a village festival. The circular composition, typical of the artist's work, showcases a bustling group of figures engaged in various activities, including dancing, playing games, and enjoying food and drink. The scene is set in a verdant landscape, with a prominent tree in the foreground offering shade to the revelers. The painting captures the joy and exuberance of rural life, highlighting the importance of community and festivity in 16th-century Flemish culture. The artwork, now housed in the SMK - Statens Museum for Kunst, is a fine example of Valckenborch's masterful skill in capturing the details and atmosphere of everyday life.