Stel dansend voor een boerenwoning op de muziek van een doedelzakspeler 1694 - 1744

Editor: So, here we have “Stel dansend voor een boerenwoning op de muziek van een doedelzakspeler” by Elias Baeck, sometime between 1694 and 1744. It's an engraving – quite detailed, even though it’s small. I’m struck by how busy the scene is, a real flurry of activity! What jumps out at you when you look at this piece? Curator: What leaps out? A proper knees-up! And those barrel-stacked buildings on the left look almost like theatre props, don’t they? Baeck seems to have enjoyed immortalising what might normally be seen as the unimmortal-worthy, the drunken squabbles and rural frolics. Doesn't it make you wonder what story he's hinting at? What little drama is unfolding in that small clearing? Editor: It does make you wonder… I guess the title suggests music and dancing but there's a fight brewing at that table, isn’t there? Is this a comment on peasant life? Curator: Perhaps, but look closer. It is all perhaps "a bit much" as we’d say, wouldn't you think? A moralizing image, pointing fingers at intemperance. It is a wild celebration and perhaps a bit cautionary? Editor: A little like "don’t overdo it"? Like a 17th century PSA? Curator: Precisely! But done with a wink and a smile, of course. After all, even PSAs need a bit of entertainment value! Do you feel you want to put yourself at the heart of that scene? Maybe in a chair and ordering a beer? Or do you stand aside with the dog? Editor: Definitely watching from afar with the dog! Thanks. I see so much more in it now. Curator: Wonderful! It’s a joy to wander and wonder! And who knows what a longer, deeper stare will show?