DISCOVERART

Israhel van Meckenem, the younger

The Morris Dancers

n.d.
Engraving in black on ivory laid paper
17.2 × 17.2 cm (6.8 × 6.8 in)

SEE IT IN PERSON

Not currently on view

In the collection of Art Institute of Chicago, Chicago · as of July 2026

View at artic.edu ↗Plan a visit ↗

Discussion

FROM THE ART INSTITUTE OF CHICAGO’S CATALOG

The Morris Dance is a folk dance still practiced in England today. Here the roundel shape of Meckenem’s engraving echoes the pattern of the cavorting dancers, as they encircle a young woman holding a ring. The poses are intentionally exaggerated, especially that of the fool at left. The dance, which may have originated in medieval Spain, was a popular court spectacle, as the merry throng of onlookers at the window suggests.

Source ↗

Be the first to share your thoughts.

Sign in to join the discussion.

Community guidelines

More by Israhel van Meckenem, the younger

JudithJudithSaint Bartholomew and Saint Philip from The Twelve ApostlesSaint Bartholomew and Saint Philip from The Twelve ApostlesChrist Washing the Feet of the ApostlesChrist Washing the Feet of the ApostlesSaint ChristopherSaint ChristopherCombat of Two Wild Men on HorsebackCombat of Two Wild Men on HorsebackThe ResurrectionThe ResurrectionThe CrucifixionThe CrucifixionThe Fight over the TrousersThe Fight over the Trousers

More like this

The Stoning of the EldersPseudo-Aert Ortkens — The Stoning of the EldersLa Ronde (The Round Dance), from The CapricesJacques Callot — La Ronde (The Round Dance), from The CapricFigures in Theatrical CostumesClaude Gillot|Antoine Watteau — Figures in Theatrical CostumBanquet in an ArborMaerten de Vos|Anonymous, Netherlandish, 16th century — BanqThe Four TemperamentsJörg Breu the Elder — The Four TemperamentsMasquerade Dance with TorchesAlbrecht Dürer — Masquerade Dance with TorchesThree Dancing Mummers including a Jester, from The MasqueradesJacob de Gheyn, II — Three Dancing Mummers including a JesteThe Crowning with ThornsLucas van Leyden — The Crowning with ThornsThe Head of Pompey Presented to CaesarAnonymous, French, 16th century — The Head of Pompey PresentA standing soldier, a standing woman, and a stooping drummerAbraham Bloemaert — A standing soldier, a standing woman, anA Grandee in Eastern Dress, a Man with a Cock attached to his Belt and a Veiled Woman Playing the Rumbling-Pot, from The MasqueradesJacob de Gheyn, II — A Grandee in Eastern Dress, a Man with The Round Passion: Christ before the High PriestLucas van Leyden (Netherlandish, 1494–about 1533) — The Roun