Jan Steen - A Merry Party (detail) - WGA21751

Jan Steen was a Dutch painter of the Golden Age, born in 1626 and died in 1679. He was known for his genre paintings, which depicted scenes from everyday life with a humorous or moralising tone. Steen's works often featured chaotic and lively compositions, filled with detailed depictions of figures engaged in various activities. He was particularly good at capturing facial expressions and gestures, adding depth and emotion to his scenes. Steen's paintings also often contained symbolic elements or moral messages, reflecting the values and concerns of 17th-century Dutch society. Today he is considered one of the most important and influential painters of the Dutch Golden Age.