The Peasant Dance c. 1770 - 1775

Hubert Robert, a man who lived through the French Revolution, created this ink wash drawing called "The Peasant Dance." This piece offers us a glimpse into the lives of the working class during a period of immense social and political upheaval. The setting seems to be a rustic barn, where people gather not just for work, but for celebration. It's intriguing to consider what it meant for these individuals to carve out moments of joy amidst the backdrop of their daily struggles and impending societal change. Robert’s choice to depict the peasants at leisure encourages reflection on the class dynamics of the time and invites us to consider how the act of dancing could function as a form of community, resistance, or escapism. The joy expressed in the dance reflects on the human desire for connection and celebration, even when the world outside is in turmoil.