The Kermis of Saint George 1565 - 1601

"The Kermis of Saint George" was etched by Johannes van Doetecum I sometime in the late 16th century. Here we see a snapshot of a Northern European village bustling with activity around the annual fair, or "kermis," dedicated to Saint George. The kermis was a key event in community life. Beyond religious observance, it was a time for commerce, games, and social bonding. The detailed scene offers insights into the social fabric of the time, reflecting the common people at work and play. Notice how the architecture reinforces the sense of a close-knit community. This image also hints at the role of the Church in daily life, and how the festival blurred the lines between sacred and secular activities. To really understand a piece like this, we need to look at broader historical sources, like parish records, to understand the full context. The art historian, after all, is a historian first.