Left half (one of two plates).

The Festival, after 1520

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Early printmakers never tired of depicting peasant shenanigans. In the sixteenth century peasants were seen by some as emblems of native German culture, while others, like Martin Luther, worried they would disrupt the social order. Across the two halves of The Festival, separated down the middle by a tree, peasants engage in the excesses that so fascinated the staid middle class-imbibing, arguing, fondling, dancing, and vomiting. Even so, the print's orderly composition suggests a more balanced view of the subject. The pride of Augsburg, Daniel Hopfer is credited with making the first etchings in the history of printmaking.

Details
Title
The Festival
Artist Life
c. 1470-1536
Role
Artist
Accession Number
P.68.190
Provenance
Paul Davidsohn Coll. (L. 654) (sale II 781); Bressler Co., 1925
Catalogue Raisonne
Bartsch 74; Hollstein 83 i/iii; Eyssen 78
Curator Approved

This record has been reviewed by our curatorial staff but may be incomplete. These 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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Left half (one of two plates).