On-line gallery
- Reference number
- P01691
- Author
- Rubens, Peter Paul (Flemish)
- Title
- Peasant Dance
- Chronology
- 1636-1640
- Technique
- Support
- Measures
- 73 cm x 106 cm
- School
- Theme
- Shown
- Yes
- Entrance
- COLECCION REAL
- Procedence
- Royal Collection
A group of peasants dance in
agitated frenzy, accompanied by a
flutist in a tree. The scene takes
place in a landscape that recalls
Italy, especially the villa in the
background, whose shapes resemble
those of the architect, Andrea
Palladio. This work has sometimes
been identified with a mythological
subject, because of the
bare-chested satyrs with ivy crowns
and bells on their ankles, as well
as the character dressed in snake
skin, which may be an allusion to
the god, Bacchus.
Rubens made this painting in the
last years of his life, after his
second marriage, and it is imbued
with the strongly sensuous spirit
that marks his works from that
period.
Country scenes by Pieter Brueghel,
“the Elder”, are the forerunners to
this painting, but they are adapted
by Ruben's eye. The composition is
very dynamic and the artist
masterfully captures the sensation
of circular movement, which is
reinforced by the presence of the
dog that moves in parallel to the
peasants.
This work belonged to Rubens until
his death, when it was acquired by
Felipe IV.
Location on the map
