couple walking, holding hands; male at L wears a badge and rests PL hand on a crutch, swinging his wooden peg leg forward; woman at R walking with a crutch with footless R leg forward

The Lame Dancers, from La danse des estropiés, Plate 10, 1538

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Buying peasant images made the bourgeoisie feel good about their own social status, and a dollop of moralizing was a bonus. Dancing vagabonds typically were a reminder that dancing led to paganism, but Cornelis Massijs was probably also hoping for a laugh. He cast this pair hoofing it with the help of a crutch and cane.

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Details
Title
The Lame Dancers, from La danse des estropiés, Plate 10
Artist Life
c. 1510 - c. 1557
Role
Artist
Accession Number
2015.93.119
Provenance
[French dealer.] John E. Andrus III, Wayzata, Minn.; by descent to his daughters, Elizabeth, Katie, and Julie; gave to MIA, 2015. Earlier provenances have been gathered, but further research will increase our knowledge of their histories.
Catalogue Raisonne
Hollstein 147 i/ii (before the number); Bartsch 12 (vol. 9, p. 94); Nagler Monogrammisten II, 498, 16; Van der Stock 19
Curator Approved

This record is from historic documentation and may not have been reviewed by a curator, so may be inaccurate or incomplete. Our records are frequently revised and enhanced. If you notice a mistake or have additional information about this object, please email collectionsdata@artsmia.org.

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couple walking, holding hands; male at L wears a badge and rests PL hand on a crutch, swinging his wooden peg leg forward; woman at R walking with a crutch with footless R leg forward