Family scene 1660s - 1670s

Jan Steen's "Family Scene" is made with oil paint, applied to a canvas support, a common medium at the time. The magic of Steen's painting lies in the skillful application of the paint itself. Notice how the texture varies, from the smooth, glazed surfaces of faces to the rougher, more impastoed rendering of clothing and domestic objects. The paint is not just a means of representation; it is a material that brings its own qualities to the scene, emphasizing the earthy, lived-in nature of this domestic interior. The artist has built up a rich impasto of pigment to create highlights, and shadows, defining volume and form with a sculptural approach. The artist’s material choices and application techniques are not merely decorative, they contribute to the overall meaning of the work. By understanding the role of materials and making, we can appreciate how Steen elevates a seemingly commonplace scene to a level of artistic and social significance, and challenging distinctions between fine art and craft.