The Peasant Wedding Dance

Pieter van der Heyden Netherlandish
 After Pieter Bruegel the Elder Netherlandish
 Published by Hieronymus Cock Netherlandish

On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 690

Figures drink, dance, and make merry in this rustic wedding scene. Although the print, along with its accompanying caption, presents a stereotypical and somewhat mocking image of peasant life, its vibrant depiction of community and lively celebration also points to true joy and enviable liberation from certain strictures of social decorum. In this way, the work might have offered its wealthy urban viewers a vicarious thrill.

The Peasant Wedding Dance, Pieter van der Heyden (Netherlandish, ca. 1525–1569), Engraving; first state of three

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The Peasant Wedding Dance, Pieter van der Heyden (Netherlandish, ca. 1525–1569), Engraving; first state of three
The Peasant Wedding Dance, Pieter van der Heyden (Netherlandish, ca. 1525–1569), Engraving; first state of three

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