Jacob Jordaens - The Bean King [c.1638]

Jacob Jordaens - The Bean King [c.1638], a photo by Gandalf's Gallery on Flickr.

Learned in the traditions and legends of the ordinary people, Jacob Jordaens (Antwerp, May 19, 1593 - October 18, 1678) here depicted the festival of the Three Magi or Three Kings, which was celebrated in Flanders every year on January 6. According to old Netherlandish tradition, on this day a large pie was served at table with a single bean hidden somewhere in it. He who found the bean in his slice of pie was declared to be the Bean King.

In depicting the culmination of the bacchanalia, Jordaens manages to convey the atmosphere of uncontrolled emotion and hilarity, giving each character expressive gestures and facial features. In his interpretation, the everyday scene takes on a truly monumental character and can be read as an affirmation of life. The dynamic composition, the exaggerated volume of the forms, the warm golden-brown colouring and the broad painterly style mark out Jordaens as a follower of Rubens and one of the leading masters of the Flemish Baroque.

[Oil on canvas, 157 x 211 cm]