Steen, Jan, << stayn, yahn >> (1626?-1679), was a Dutch painter. He became known for his many lively and often humorous portrayals of everyday life, such as schoolroom activities, festive customs, and holiday celebrations. Many of Steen’s colorful compositions are crowded with people of all ages. Some of the figures represent well-known characters from the Dutch popular theater. The artist sometimes included a self-portrait in his paintings. In his many cheerful scenes, people laugh, drink, eat, play games, and dance. The floor and tables are often littered with discarded objects, such as eggshells. Today, a lively, untidy Dutch home is traditionally called a “Jan Steen household.”
Steen also painted works based on proverbs, such as “Easy come, easy go.” He often inscribed the proverbs clearly in the paintings. Many of his works try to teach a moral lesson. Steen also painted numerous religious subjects, treating some of the scenes humorously. Steen was born in Leiden.
