The King Drinking
Artist/Maker
Material / Technique
Dimensionsh x w: Mått 60 x 75 cm h x w x d: Ram 81 x 95 x 9 cm
Inventory numberNM 2434
Other titlesTitle (sv): Kungen dricker Title (en): The King Drinking
DescriptionCatalogue raisonné: Description in Flemish paintings C. 1600-C. 1800 III, Nationalmuseum, Stockholm, 2010, cat.no. 74: Technical notes: The support consists of a single piece of coarse plain weave fabric. The painting has been trimmed along all four edges by about 0.5–0.6 cm from the edges of the present stretcher. Cuspings are faintly visible along all four edges. The painting is lined. The canvas has been prepared with a whiteish ground and a light brownish semi-transparent imprimatura. The paint layer has been applied relatively thinly. Opaque layers of paint can be found in parts of the painting. Highlights consist of small brushstrokes of impasto. The final surface has a glazed finish. Brushstrokes are smoothly executed. There is an opaque layer of cool greyish underpaint. The main figures were painted into the reserved areas left for them. The birdcage and sketch and other details have been painted directly over the background. This painting is in very good condition. The painting underwent conservation treatment in 1924, 1933 and 1975. Provenance: Bequeathed by Christina Nilsson in 1924. Bibliography: NM Cat. 1958, p. 68; NM Cat. 1990, p. 126. Epiphany (Matt. 2: 1–2) was celebrated in Flanders and in other European countries on January 6. It was traditionally an evening of merriment when family and friends gathered to enjoy food, sing and amuse themselves themselves. The evening began with the installation of a king chosen among those present. Sometimes lots were drawn and sometimes a bean was hidden in a cake. Whoever drew the right lot or found the bean was given a paper crown and asked to preside over the table and oversee the festivities. Other role personalities were chosen to help the King such as the Queen, the Counsellor, the Cupbearer, the Carver, the Musician, the Jester and the Physician. In Eisen’s painting we can distinguish the Jester in the background, who at the same time is also playing the role of the Musician. The theme of The King Drinks, was treated by Jacob Jordaens several times between 1630 and 1640.1 It gave the master an opportunity to depict his fellow Flemish burghers at table. The scene in Eisen’s painting is set in simpler surroundings and depicts a typical peasant cottage. GCB 1 See Antwerpen 1993, pp. 196–198, (see under copy). [End]
Collection
TechniquePainting
Object category
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