Kermis on St George’s Day 

David Teniers the Younger painted this lively scene of a village fair, likely in the mid-17th century. Dominating the composition is the festive flag of St. George, patron saint of soldiers and symbol of courage, fluttering above the revelers. Consider how the image of St. George, historically a martial figure, undergoes a transformation here. The banner is a marker, indicating a sacred space transformed into one of joyous and perhaps excessive celebration. The presence of the saint watches over the people. This symbolic juxtaposition reflects the cyclical nature of human experience. Even symbols of higher ideals, like sainthood and bravery, become intertwined with earthly pleasures and communal festivity. This shows how cultural memory shifts and adapts, as these symbols evolve and reappear throughout history. It is the emotional and psychological weight of the cultural values that are here represented and give this image its powerful, engaging force.