Boerengezelschap 1650 - 1699

Jan Naning created this etching, called "Boerengezelschap" in Dutch, which translates to "Peasant Company", showing three men gathered inside what appears to be a tavern. During the time this work was made, the lives of peasants were often romanticized or used to highlight the virtues of simplicity and a connection to the land. Yet, such depictions often overlooked the harsh realities of peasant life, including poverty, disease, and social inequality. Naning gives us something different. Observe how the artist portrays each figure with an intense focus on their expressions and postures, emphasizing both their shared camaraderie and individual characteristics. One man seems engrossed in reading, possibly a bill, while the others engage in drinking and smoking. The setting is intimate, suggesting a candid snapshot of everyday life. Consider how pieces like this both reflected and shaped societal views of the working class, balancing idealization with a recognition of their humanity and daily routines.