A pawn shop

Brimming with numerous figures who fill a crowded room, packed with opulent decorative objects seemingly tucked into every corner, this dynamic painting has traditionally been associated with the workshop of Jan van Hemessen. As one of the most revolutionary painters working in Antwerp in the first half of the 16th century, Hemessen frequently drew inspiration from the diverse, everchanging population of merchants, sailors, tavern workers and entertainers who passed through the port city, producing a series of paintings showing scenes of daily life. The present painting depicts the interior of a pawn shop, in which a wealthy, bearded man sits at a carpet-draped table. He selects a coin weight from a box, using it to assess the value of some precious item that a pious couple has come to exchange. In the background, two figures hoist an object up through a skylight. An assistant records the transaction in his ledger while a young man leans over his shoulder, gesticulating towards the couple, perhaps in admonishment for their lack of fiscal responsibility. The empty multi-bagged purse, juxtaposed with the open metal vessel to its right, was likely intended to underscores their impotence. As a whole, the painting reflects 16th-century Antwerp’s complicated relationship with its newfound economic success, which made it one of the most vibrant cities in Europe.

A French calendar hangs on the back wall at center. Though it is partially obscured by the figures, the date is clearly marked as the 21st of the month. Its prominence within the composition implies that this is not a casual detail, but rather, one that is meant to help the viewer interpret the painting. Given the composition’s strong links to Jan van Hemessen’s numerous treatments of the Calling of Saint Matthew, it is perhaps not coincidental that Saint Matthew’s Feast Day is celebrated on September 21st. Viewed in this light, the calendar is likely best seen as a holdover from a lost painting, perhaps by Hemessen himself, representing the Calling of Saint Matthew, which served as inspiration for the present work.