Jan Steen

Jan Havickszoon Steen (c. 1626 – buried 3 February 1679) was a Dutch genre painter of the Dutch Golden Age. His works are known for their lively, often chaotic scenes of everyday life, imbued with humor and a keen observation of human behavior.

Early Life and Education

Jan Steen was born in Leiden, in the Dutch Republic, into a well-to-do Catholic family. His father, Havick Jansz Steen, was a brewer and grain merchant. Steen received his initial education at the Latin School in Leiden, which provided him with a solid foundation in the humanities.

In 1646, Steen enrolled at the University of Leiden, although it is unclear what he studied there. His artistic training began under the tutelage of Nicolaes Knupfer, a German painter known for his historical and genre scenes. Steen also studied with Adriaen van Ostade, a master of genre painting, and possibly with Jan van Goyen, a landscape painter who became his father-in-law.

Career

Steen's career as a painter began in earnest in the 1640s. He joined the Guild of Saint Luke in Leiden in 1648, which was a common step for artists seeking to establish themselves professionally. Steen's early works show the influence of his teachers, particularly in their composition and use of color.

In 1649, Steen married Margriet van Goyen, the daughter of Jan van Goyen. The couple had eight children. Steen's marriage into the van Goyen family likely provided him with valuable connections in the art world.

Steen's career was marked by frequent relocations. He lived in The Hague, Haarlem, and Delft, before returning to Leiden in 1670. Despite these moves, Steen maintained a prolific output, producing over 800 paintings during his lifetime.

Artistic Style and Themes

Jan Steen is best known for his genre paintings, which depict scenes of everyday life with a humorous and often moralizing twist. His works are characterized by their vibrant colors, dynamic compositions, and attention to detail.

Steen's paintings often include a large number of figures, each engaged in their own activities, creating a sense of bustling energy. Common themes in his work include family life, tavern scenes, and festivals. Steen had a particular talent for capturing the foibles and follies of human nature, often using his paintings to convey moral lessons.

One of Steen's most famous works, The Feast of Saint Nicholas, depicts a chaotic family scene during the celebration of Saint Nicholas Day. The painting is notable for its detailed portrayal of the various reactions of the children to their gifts, ranging from joy to disappointment.

Legacy

Jan Steen's work was highly regarded during his lifetime, and he was a successful artist. However, his reputation declined in the centuries following his death, as tastes shifted towards more classical and restrained styles. It was not until the 19th century that Steen's work was rediscovered and appreciated for its humor and insight into human nature.

Today, Steen is considered one of the great masters of Dutch genre painting. His works are held in major collections around the world, including the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam and the National Gallery in London.

Also see

• Dutch Golden Age painting
• Genre painting
• Guild of Saint Luke
• Nicolaes Knupfer
• Adriaen van Ostade
• Jan van Goyen