As the Old Sing, So Pipe the Young (Jan Steen)

Jan Steen 022 colour version 01

As the Old Sing, So Pipe the Young is a renowned oil painting by the Dutch Golden Age artist Jan Steen, who is celebrated for his vivid depictions of daily life, often imbued with a moral or proverbial message. This work, painted in 1668, serves as a quintessential example of Steen's genre paintings, showcasing a lively domestic scene filled with characters of various ages engaging in music and merriment. The painting is currently housed in the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam, Netherlands, where it continues to attract attention for its detailed composition, vibrant storytelling, and insight into 17th-century Dutch society.

Description

As the Old Sing, So Pipe the Young depicts a boisterous family gathering where the central activity is music-making. The scene is set in a well-appointed room that suggests a comfortable, middle-class home. At the heart of the composition is an elderly woman, possibly the matriarch of the family, singing and holding a sheet of music. Surrounding her are members of her family, including children, who are either playing musical instruments or engaging in song. The title of the painting, a Dutch proverb, suggests that children will mimic the behavior of their elders, a theme that is humorously and affectionately rendered through the various actions of the figures depicted.

Themes and Interpretation

The painting is rich in symbolism and moral lessons, a common characteristic of Jan Steen's work. The proverbial title underscores the painting's main theme: the influence of adult behavior on the young. Steen often included moral lessons in his works, albeit with a light-hearted and often humorous touch. The merry scene can be interpreted as both a celebration of family unity and a cautionary tale about the responsibility of adults to set a good example for the younger generation.

Technique and Style

Jan Steen's technique in As the Old Sing, So Pipe the Young is notable for its vivid color palette, dynamic composition, and meticulous attention to detail. Steen's skill in depicting textures, from the luxurious fabrics of the clothing to the various objects that fill the room, adds a tactile quality to the painting. His use of light and shadow not only highlights the central figures but also creates a sense of depth and volume, drawing the viewer's eye through the scene. The expressions and gestures of the characters are rendered with a naturalism that brings the scene to life, a testament to Steen's mastery of human anatomy and emotion.

Provenance and Legacy

The painting's journey before arriving at the Rijksmuseum involved several private collections, reflecting the enduring appeal of Jan Steen's work. Its inclusion in one of the world's most prestigious museums underscores the painting's significance in the canon of Dutch Golden Age art. As the Old Sing, So Pipe the Young continues to be studied and admired for its artistic merits as well as its cultural and historical insights into 17th-century Dutch life.

In Popular Culture

While specific references to As the Old Sing, So Pipe the Young in popular culture are rare, the themes and style of Jan Steen's work have influenced various forms of media, including literature, film, and television, where the complexities of family life and the intergenerational transmission of values are explored.