Dirck Hals: The Fête champêtre (1627)

(Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam, The Netherlands)

A painting by the Dutch artist Dirck Hals (1591 - 1656), a brother of the famous Frans Hals (1580/1585–1666). The painting is a typical piece of Dirck and shows what is called ' a merry company' - scenes of small groups drinking and enjoying themselves. As this party takes place outside in a garden it is a 'fête champêtre' (= a garden party). The people on the painting are random figures and paintings like these were sold on the open market for people at home. Painting from 1627.