Who painted Dancing Round the Maypole?

Dancing Round the Maypole was painted by Unknown in 1750.

Where can I see Dancing Round the Maypole?

Dancing Round the Maypole is held by Statens Museum for Kunst.

Artwork

Dancing Round the Maypole

Dancing Round the Maypole is a photography by Unknown. It dates from 1750 and is held in the collection of the Statens Museum for Kunst.

About this work

Overview

Dancing Round the Maypole, attributed to the anonymous creator known as 1898_person, dates to around 1750 and is part of the Museum of Ethnography’s collection. The work is a black‑and‑white illustration that captures a festive village tableau centered on a tall, ornamented maypole.

Subject & Meaning

The image portrays a communal celebration: villagers form a circle around the maypole, intertwining ribbons as they dance, while onlookers gather at doorways and benches. The composition reflects traditional spring rites that emphasize social cohesion and seasonal renewal.

Technique & Style

Rendered in monochrome, the artist employs strong contrasts of light and shadow to model figures and architecture, a technique akin to chiaroscuro. This shading creates a sense of depth, distinguishing the bustling foreground from the simplified houses and distant church tower.

History & Provenance

Created circa 1750, the work entered the Museum of Ethnography’s holdings at an unspecified date. Its attribution to the enigmatic 1898_person remains the only identifying information available, suggesting limited documentation of its origin.

Context

Maypole dancing was a widespread European folk practice, especially in rural communities, symbolizing fertility and communal harmony. The illustration’s plain village setting and modest architecture provide insight into the everyday environment of such celebrations during the mid‑18th century.