The King Drinks 1640

Jacob Jordaens, a Flemish Baroque painter, created "The King Drinks" in the 17th century. The painting captures a boisterous feast, reflecting the social and cultural life of the time. It presents a scene from the Feast of the Bean, a traditional celebration, where the roles of everyday life are inverted. The painting may be interpreted through the lens of social commentary. Jordaens, working in Antwerp, then under Spanish rule, might be critiquing social norms and power structures through the chaos and revelry depicted. The gross behavior and exaggerated expressions, could represent a world turned upside down, where social hierarchies are mocked. Historical context and knowledge of Flemish traditions are essential to understanding the artwork. Research into the Feast of the Bean tradition can provide a deeper understanding of this painting and its significance. This is the work of the historian: to bring together the social and institutional contexts that shaped the meaning of art.