Interior with merrymaking peasants - Jan Miense Molenaer (1610-1668)

Oil on panel
Signed central below on the table.
We’d like to thank dr. Guido Jansen for his advice.


Jan Miense Molenaer was a Dutch Golden Age genre painter whose style was a precursor to Jan Steen's work during Dutch Golden Age painting. He shared a studio with his wife, Judith Leyster, also a genre painter, as well as a portraitist and painter of still-life. Both Molenaer and Leyster may have been pupils of Frans Hals.
At the heart of the scene, a woman skillfully plays the lute, her fingers dancing along the strings to create a melodic backdrop for the spirited gathering. As the woman engrosses herself in the enchanting tunes, a bearded man approaches from behind, his hands resting her shoulders. The room is filled with the joyous presence of peasants, each holding jugs of alcohol, the atmosphere brimming with the infectious energy of celebration.
Behind the lute player, another figure takes center stage, skillfully playing the flute, contributing to the symphony of merriment that reverberates through the space. Amidst the conviviality, a scene unfolds where one man attempts to steal a kiss from a woman, adding a touch of flirtation to the lively ambiance.
The seating arrangement is diverse, with people perched on chairs, stools, and barrels, each in various states of revelry and inebriation. Several dogs rest on the floor, one peacefully sleeping, while another looks up curiously, adding to the homely atmosphere. A cat, perhaps indifferent to the festivities, sits nearby.
On one of the barrels, a pipe and tobacco rest, hinting at the various pleasures enjoyed in this convivial gathering. Molenaer's skillful depiction not only captures the exuberance of the moment but also adds nuanced details that invite viewers to explore the intricate scene within the boisterous walls of this rustic interior.