The peasant couple on the console is dressed in the traditional costume of Swabia in southern Germany. The clothing is astonishingly detailed and accurate. This is the way peasants around the city of Honau had dressed since the first half of the seventeenth century – the man’s tight breeches coming almost up to his arm-pits. Look how subservient he is, doffing his cap! The woman, on the other hand, has a self-confident air. She seems almost to be dancing – with that basket on her head! It originally contained little carrots, which were probably replaced later with colourful fruit made out of polished gemstones. Carved out of ivory, the figures were gilded and decorated with precious stones by Johann Heinrich Köhler.
The second couple is dressed in the traditional peasant costume of Altenburg in Thüringen. The woman is wearing her Sunday best, and her hair is done up in a pretty plait. The decoration on the sleeves of her blouse is incredibly fine. Originally, she had a little gilded basket containing tiny pearls. The man is wearing a floppy hat, a short skirt and top boots.
