An old to Young Girl 1665

Jan Steen painted this scene on a wooden panel sometime in the 17th century using oil paints. This was a common, if luxurious, method, reflective of the well-established Dutch tradition of painting domestic life. Look closely and you’ll see Steen’s technique. He built up the image slowly, layering translucent glazes of paint. This is especially noticeable in the dark areas, which give depth to the forms and a sense of space. The choice of oil paint allowed for a lot of detail, capturing the textures of the clothing, the smoothness of the skin, and the rough surfaces of the interior. It's this tangible quality that invites us into the scene. The choice of materials and the way Steen handled them were very much part of the culture of his time. Skilled craftsmanship was valued, and paintings like this were prized for their ability to vividly depict the world. They blur the lines between art and craft, showing how both are deeply connected to the society in which they're made.