Artwork

Village Fair at Hoboken

Village Fair at Hoboken, by Frans Hogenberg, ink, 1559
Village Fair at Hoboken, by Frans Hogenberg, ink, 1559

Village Fair at Hoboken is an ink print by the Renaissance artist Frans Hogenberg. It dates from 1559 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

Village Fair at Hoboken is an engraving created by Frans Hogenberg around 1559. It is a print that showcases a lively village scene.

Subject & Meaning

The engraving depicts a chaotic village fair with numerous figures engaged in various activities such as dancing, fighting, and drinking. A central wagon is surrounded by a crowd, while animals roam freely and thatched-roof houses line the background. A lone barrel labeled 'F.B.' is situated in the corner, its significance unclear.

Technique & Style

Hogenberg employed fine lines to achieve depth and texture in the engraving, creating a sense of three-dimensionality. The level of detail suggests a high level of skill in the engraving technique, which involved carving designs onto a metal plate to produce printed images.

Artist & collection

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: National Gallery of Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.