The Feast of St Nicholas 1665 - 1668

Jan Steen captured this lively domestic scene, ‘The Feast of St Nicholas,’ in paint during the 17th century. This image brims with symbols of childhood hopes and anxieties, revolving around the annual gift-giving associated with Saint Nicholas. Note the child with the overflowing bucket, clutching her doll—a symbol of innocence, echoing images of the Virgin Mary with the Christ Child. The doll is a poignant effigy, a manifestation of the child’s desires and fears, as the Saint brings gifts to good children. But for the crying boy, his tears represent the dread of punishment. Such potent emotions around reward and retribution engage viewers on a subconscious level. The pointing figure evokes ancient gestures of revelation, seen in classical and Renaissance art, a symbol passed down through history. These symbols resonate deeply, reflecting our collective memories of childhood, shaped and reshaped across generations.