Rich Peasant…Poor Peasant

The Renaissance Faire is a peculiar event that sprouted from a high school history project in Southern California during the early 1960’s. It has grown into a sub-culture that spans across the United States, Canada and Europe. Some events are solid historically based events, others are hysterical spectacles of flesh and fantasy, clinging to a thread of Renaissance history…

1584 - Annibale Carracci - The Bean-Eater

Not all peasants were created equal. Some had means, some didn't. It’s almost like a sub-caste dividing the wider world of European socio-culture, upper class, middle class and lower class being divvied up a bit more.

I'd like to focus on the different appearances within the ranks of Renaissance peasantry. In earlier articles, I've focused primarily on the clothing worn by peasants during this period, showing you that Medieval style garb reached well into the Elizabethan Era, but that doesn't mean all of Europe's peasantry looked like something out of a cheesy Robin Hood movie.

The Poor

Just because you were poor didn't mean you were destitute. Yes, you probably smelled. Everyone, high and low, stank of ass-sweat and body odor, so you weren't alone and it was just "normal". The wealthy were simply better at covering it up, or had the means to bathe in the privacy of their home.

Being the poor meant you had a set of clothes, somewhere to live, eat and sleep (albeit not an extravagant dwelling) and you had a community that nominally looked after you. Remember, in Elizabeth's England, you were not allowed to wander from town, or from village to city. You were stuck where you lived and it was generally against the law for you to travel about. Some exceptions were there, but all in all, your community was where you stayed, and the townsfolk were charged with helping if you found yourself hungry, or without work or shelter.

So what is that going to look like?

You are probably going to be a few decades behind in fashionable trends. Men are going to be garbed in split hose that are worn, frayed and patched (NOT completely shredded with your rump hanging out of the seat). You will have a shirt. Again, it will be worn, and possibly soiled with sweat and dirt. You might have stockings and shoes, but they are going to be simple affairs, local, cottage industry made. Women would have the same general appearance, nothing like filthy rags, but well-worn clothing with the heady scent of work sweat, manure, or both.

1510 - Lucas van Leyden - The Milkmaid

The Rich Peasant?

It's an oxymoron. No peasants were rich...in the sense of monetary wealth. But some were better off than others. Tradesman, domestic servants, peddlers and sellers of wares and goods…and let's not forget those fine ladies that "plied the trade". These people would be fairly well-dressed. They might still carry the unwashed smell though. Domestic servants might be a little fresher, since their employer might have been particular about the "help".

1559 - Pieter Brueghel the Elder - The Sleeping Peddler Robbed by Monkeys

1562 - Joachim Beuckelaer - Brothel

So what will a "rich" peasant look like? 

You will most likely have a complete set of clothes. They will probably appear very well kept, and you might actually have more than one set. You are not destitute, nor are you poor…so no groveling for coin in the street.

Early 17th century - Cornelis Bloemaert - Pleasures of Occupation

The Absolute Destitute...

So you want to be a beggar, shiftless, and a "good for nothing"...look no further: The Poor and the Fragrant