Battle Between Carnival and Lent

Jan Miense Molenaerabout 1633-1634

Details

Title: Battle Between Carnival and Lent
Creator Lifespan: 1610 - 1668
Creator Nationality: Dutch
Creator Gender: Male
Date Created: about 1633-1634
Type: oil paintings
Rights: Purchased in honor of A. Ian Fraser, with additional funding provided by the David L. Chambers, Jr. Fund for Dutch and Flemish Art, the Dr. V.K. Stoelting Art Fund, and Mrs. Jane W. Myers
External Link: http://www.imamuseum.org/mercury/load-artwork/22927
Medium: oil on wood
wall label: This wild brawl pits a mob of peasants, armed with food and cooking implements, against a similarly equipped pack of monks and priests. Peasants brandish skewered chickens and a sausage against a monk who swings a bundle of dried codfish. These rowdy combatants personify Carnival and Lent. Mock battles between them, symbolizing the struggle between excess and abstinence, often formed part of popular celebrations that heralded the start of Lent.
measurements: 16 x 21 3/4 in.
Artist: Molenaer, Jan Miense

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