Three drinking farmers 

Curator: What strikes me first is the clear tension, the atmosphere. There’s a quiet disruption about to happen here. Editor: That's interesting. This work is titled “Three Drinking Farmers.” It's attributed to Aletta de Freij, and held in the Städel Museum. We think of it as part of the Baroque genre painting tradition. Curator: Baroque! Okay, yes, I can see the theatrics. And the figures. But they seem caught off guard. I find myself wondering who those farmers are—clearly reveling in something. Then that woman…her posture speaks volumes! The composition pushes us toward her, doesn't it? She seems less… boisterous than the lads. Editor: Right. Aletta definitely wanted to focus on contrasting moralities in everyday life. The lady in the doorway is positioned on the opposite side. And observe, how cleverly the composition leads the eyes through a contrast of dark vs light from left to right Curator: And that poor, poor hat, just askew on the chair as its owner sings. The shapes and the playfulness is so different with her direct glance, that stiffened pose in front of what must be the open doorway. I get the sense it's not just about documenting a scene. It feels loaded. Is that resentment or world-weariness on her face? Editor: It's a strong statement for sure. This piece, using tempera, lends a sort of understated look compared to how it may feel looking at this composition. But back to your point: the emotional depth is fascinating. Curator: Absolutely, I'm left with this unsettled feeling, like peeking into a private drama—one playing out in my own heart, too, perhaps. It is not very joyous despite what one may expect, knowing that the fellows are drinking Editor: Definitely a contrast and very revealing. I appreciate the focus on how even mundane depictions can reveal inner emotions. Curator: Indeed. Now I see Baroque paintings in a whole new, wonderfully weird light! Thank you for helping my appreciation for "Three Drinking Farmers," evolve. Editor: The pleasure's all mine, and I shall raise a glass—responsibly—to that.