Beschouw hier lieve jeugd! 't huishouden van Jan Steen, / En lach eens hartelijk, om zijn malligheen before 1831

Curator: Oh, this print, dating from before 1831, attributed to W. & M.P. Hissink… It's such a bizarre little comic strip, isn't it? Utterly charming and perplexing all at once! It's called "Beschouw hier lieve jeugd! 't huishouden van Jan Steen, / En lach eens hartelijk, om zijn malligheen"…quite a mouthful! Editor: It is! Each little vignette, rendered in these pale, muted colours...they're fascinating. I'm guessing it’s an etching? It’s kind of folksy and definitely feels old! Each panel tells a piece of the story. What is the story it's telling? Curator: Well, that's the million-dollar question, isn't it? The title roughly translates to "Behold here, dear youth! The household of Jan Steen, and laugh heartily at his follies." Jan Steen was himself a painter of jolly scenes, quite chaotic ones. The implication, seeing his name used here, is it portrays everyday, and a bit irreverent life in his style.. Each little image supposedly showcases Steen, so its like an artistic echo, isn't it? See the artist, Jan Steen, depicted both *at* the easel, and *as* the chaotic focal point himself. A commentary perhaps? Editor: A little meta then. Like an early modern meme? So is it celebrating him or poking fun, you think? I can’t tell from the chaotic, grainy illustrations! Curator: It's delightfully ambiguous! There's a slight critical edge, the idea that perhaps even artistic genius comes from a chaotic place? It does make you wonder. What do you make of that last scene where a chap tips up another's hat to look up at the top shelf, as if Jan were now selling caps from his studio? Editor: Selling caps? Seems a rather ignoble end! I like the notion it hints to us being as creatively productive during all life stages. It definitely makes you think... Curator: Absolutely. Maybe there’s some hope for us both after all then!