Loading...
A male figure smokes and drinks, directing an expressive glace at the viewer. Behind him, a companion is inside a tavern filled with vats, basins and barrels. The protagonist has been identified as a soldier on leave after a campaign, but this is also a representation of everyday life in Flanders. Illustrations of people enjoying the pleasures of alcohol or tobacco were quite customary in the work
This work depicts the feast of Epiphany, as can be seen by the crown on the central figure, whose paintings show an Adoration of the Magi. According to Flemish folk tradition, in this feast, the king of the celebration is chosen by chance, being the one who finds a bean in his cake. Other Flemish artists, such as Jordaens, depicted this celebration in the same way, reflecting its most festive mome
And alchemist, recognizable by his characteristic cap, fans the fire in his laboratory. The presence of books, flasks and other instruments in the foreground reveal his pseudo-scientific activity. In the background, a group of three figures of a certain social standing appear to be discussing the subject from a theoretical standpoint. This work is paired with A Surgical Operation (P01803) and both
The teacher at this money school punishes one of the students while another seems to be interceding on his behalf. Behind, the rest of the students look on in fear from their tables. This is a criticism of the bad social attitudes whose stupidity and lack of rational thought is symbolized here by monkeys. Teniers dealt with this matter on several occasions. In the present example, he is clearly cr
This work is part of the series of six panels of monkey scenes in the Museo Nacional del Prado (from P01805 to P01810). The subject matter is drawn from the oeuvre of Pieter Brueghel the Elder and Peter van der Borcht, which has been associated with human foolishness since the Middle Ages. Teniers successfully captures the ambivalence of mankind in its animal nature. In a kitchen interior, apes, g
