December 2008
The Bean King
Oil on Canvas
Jacob Jordaens 1593-1678
This blog focuses on contemporary art, provides a little background or history and then leaves it to you to express your opinion. The Bean King obviously isn’t a contemporary painting.
Anon, it’s the holiday season. So here is something unexpected and festive.
The Bean King by Flemish artist Jacob Jordaens is a jolly scene depicting the European tradition of hiding a coin or bean in the Christmas pudding or cake. In Flanders, the custom was for the person who finds the bean to be made the Bean King. Jordaens’ was greatly
influenced by Caravaggio and Rubens. The artist often painted scenes of similar festive occasions.
”What do you think of this painting? We're not looking for art historians or academic answers. Whatever your thoughts, we want to hearthem. We will print your comments along with those of local gallery owners and artists.
Post your comment. Let’s hear what you think!
Leslie Fordham is Public Art Coordinator for the Town of Vail. She is responsible for the town’s thirty-seven piece art collection that includes memorials, commissioned artwork, street furniture, sculptures and art in playgrounds. Fordham also curates the annual exhibition in Ford Park. Prior to moving to Vail she worked for the Smithsonian’s Resident Associate Program and conducted research into the use of art exhibition catalogs at the Tate Gallery and Victoria and Albert Museum in London.
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