Kermis 1840

Curator: This is "Kermis," a drawing rendered around 1840 by David van der Kellen, now residing here at the Rijksmuseum. It’s a pen and ink work capturing a town fair. Editor: It's overwhelmingly sepia. The monochromatic palette gives it an antique feel, and look at how the pen creates depth and shadow! The textures throughout are subtle, adding nuance to each area. Curator: The “Kermis”, or fair, was an important element of social life. These fairs acted as vital spaces for trade and entertainment and can be seen to reflect a growing market culture. Note the figures throughout— the artist captures their varied interactions and activities. The overall picture displays the lively culture present in many towns. Editor: Notice how the buildings frame the scene. The light focuses directly on the figures. With the light palette the shapes become sharper around the people giving an idea of the architecture with hard lines. Curator: And these depictions would certainly contribute to, and perhaps influence, popular understandings of Dutch society at the time. Think about how an image like this, circulated perhaps as a print, helps shape ideas about national identity and everyday life. The artist captured not just the visual details, but the lived experience. Editor: It’s remarkable how the artist can suggest a full color palette without actually using it. The use of contrast makes this drawing almost vibrantly alive. Notice also the clever linear work drawing our eye through the whole bustling scene. Curator: Exactly! I’m struck by the dynamic social narrative the artist portrays. What better captures the community present at a town square in 1840s. Editor: I love how much information can be transmitted by limited values. Curator: Truly, it’s a window into Dutch history. Editor: I’ll walk away thinking about how much detail the artist created with ink and his technical linework!