Jan Steen

Jan Steen
File:Jan Steen selfportrait.jpg Self-portrait of Jan Steen
Born	Jan Havickszoon Steen c. 1626 Leiden, Dutch Republic
Died	buried 3 February 1679 Leiden, Dutch Republic
Nationality	Dutch
Known for	Painting
Movement	Dutch Golden Age

Jan Havickszoon Steen (c. 1626 – buried 3 February 1679) was a Dutch genre painter of the Dutch Golden Age, known for his lively and often humorous depictions of everyday life. His works are characterized by their vibrant colors, dynamic compositions, and a keen eye for detail and human expression.

Early Life and Education

Jan Steen was born in Leiden, a city 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, where he likely developed his interest in the arts.

In 1646, Steen enrolled at the University of Leiden, although it is unclear what he studied. He was apprenticed to the painter Nicolaes Knupfer, a German-born artist 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 practice for artists seeking to establish themselves professionally. Steen's early works show the influence of his teachers, particularly in their use of color and composition.

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 worked in various cities throughout his career, including The Hague, Haarlem, and Delft. He returned to Leiden in 1670, where he remained until his death.

Artistic Style and Themes

Jan Steen is best known for his genre paintings, which depict scenes of everyday life with a humorous and often moralistic twist. His works frequently include a large number of figures engaged in various activities, creating a sense of chaos and liveliness.

Steen's paintings often contain moral lessons or proverbs, such as "As the Old Sing, So Pipe the Young," which suggests that children learn by example. His works are also noted for their rich detail and vibrant color palette.

Some of Steen's most famous works include The Feast of Saint Nicholas, The Merry Family, and The Dancing Couple. These paintings exemplify his ability to capture the humor and complexity of human interactions.

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 in art changed. In the 19th century, Steen's work was rediscovered and appreciated for its technical skill and insight into 17th-century Dutch society.

Today, Steen is considered one of the great masters of Dutch genre painting, and his works are held in major museums around the world, including the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam and the Mauritshuis in The Hague.

Also see

• Dutch Golden Age painting
• Genre painting
• Rijksmuseum
• Mauritshuis
• Nicolaes Knupfer
• Adriaen van Ostade
• Jan van Goyen