The Children’s Meal c. 1665

"The Children’s Meal", painted by Dutch artist Jan Steen around 1665, is a genre painting depicting a chaotic scene of children at a meal. This humorous portrayal of daily life showcases Steen's characteristic style, where a scene of domesticity is infused with playful chaos and subtle social commentary. The children are depicted as mischievous and undisciplined, with a sense of playful disorder, as they are seen spilling food and engaging in pranks. The painting captures the spirit of everyday life in 17th-century Dutch households and offers viewers a glimpse into the social dynamics of the period.