Artwork

The Peasant Wedding or the Twelve Months: 3-Her Gregorius Mercz 4-Marcus April

The Peasant Wedding or the Twelve Months: 3-Her Gregorius Mercz 4-Marcus April is a print by the Renaissance artist Sebald Beham. It dates from 1546 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.

About this work

Overview

Created in 1546 by German printmaker Hans Sebald Beham, this small black‑and‑white engraving belongs to his series illustrating the twelve months. The image captures a moment from a peasant wedding, rendered with the fine, compact detail characteristic of Beham’s work. It is currently housed in the Cleveland Museum of Art.

Subject & Meaning

The scene presents four figures in rustic attire: two women in long skirts and head coverings, and two men in loose shirts and caps. One man gestures emphatically while the other leans forward, suggesting a lively exchange—perhaps a story or dispute—set against a simple earthen ground dotted with sparse grass.

Technique & Style

Executed as an engraving, the print showcases Beham’s meticulous line work, typical of the “Little Masters” who specialized in diminutive, highly detailed prints. The contrast of dense cross‑hatching with lighter areas creates texture in clothing, foliage, and the ground, while the compact composition emphasizes intimacy among the figures.

History & Provenance

Hans Sebald Beham, born in Nuremberg and later active in Frankfurt, produced this work as part of his seasonal series. The engraving bears his monogram “HSB,” confirming authorship. It entered the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art, where it remains accessible to scholars and the public.

Context

The piece reflects a broader Renaissance interest in depicting everyday life, especially rural customs and labor. By portraying a peasant wedding within a calendar series, Beham links communal celebration to the cyclical passage of time, a theme common in Northern European printmaking of the mid‑16th century.