JORDAENS, Jacob (b. 1593, Antwerpen, d. 1678, Antwerpen) |
The Bean Kingc. 1638Oil on canvas, 160 x 213 cm The Hermitage, St. Petersburg | ||
Jordaens was one of Rubens' most promising students and upon his master's death acquired the title of "principal Antwerp painter". The painting captures The Festival of the Bean King - celebrated on January 6th. A pie containing a single bean is served on this day and the guest who receives it becomes the "Bean King". Three people are recognizable in the painting: "The Bean King" - Jordaens' father-in-law; the woman to the left - Jordaens' wife, Elizabeth; and the man with the upraised pitcher, Jordaens himself.
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