Peasant Carousal
Late 1760s — early 1770s
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Location in museum
The St Michael’s Castle
Open the panorama of the hall in the virtual tour
Room 202 - Period 18th century
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The ball was not the only way of spending a noisy and boisterous evening in the nineteenth century. The alternative was a heavy drinking bout in the company of swashbuckling officers, idle playboys or just plain drunkards. While the ball was regarded as a decorous and high-class form of entertainment, wild revelry was perceived as a manifestation of "low taste". Although cultivated in certain army circles, it was only socially permitted in a young man in moderate doses. Play and Passion in Russian Fine Art. St-Petersburg. 1999. P. 130.
Peasant Carousal was painted at a time when Russian painters were first attempting to portray folk scenes. The peasants sitting at the table dressed in colourful Russian national costumes are closely observing and excitedly discussing the actions of the central characters a man and woman introducing an element of play to the atmosphere of the feast. Play and Passion in Russian Fine Art. St-Petersburg. 1999. P. 130.