Worship of Golden Calf 1677

Jan Steen painted "Worship of the Golden Calf" during the Dutch Golden Age, a period marked by unprecedented economic prosperity and cultural flourishing in the Netherlands. Steen’s work encapsulates the prosperity of 17th century Netherlands, where it was painted. We can understand the cultural values and social structures of the Dutch Republic, marked by its Protestant ethos, its growing merchant class, and its complex relationship with wealth and morality. This picture depicts a chaotic scene of revelry, as the Israelites forsake their religious principles in favour of earthly pleasures. The image creates meaning through its rich visual codes. The contrast between the supposed piety and its obvious absence, between sacred narrative and humorous social commentary, serves as a moral lesson for its viewers. Steen's picture speaks to contemporary debates about the role of religion and wealth in shaping Dutch society. By researching the social and institutional histories of 17th century Netherlands we can understand how these specific features influenced the work. We might research the artist's biography, church records, and contemporary texts, to better contextualize the artwork.