Jan Steen

by Sophie Oosterwijk

Dear Members and Guests,

We invite you to join us for the 2nd lecture of the season given by Sophie Oosterwijk on ‘Jan Steen’ in the Atrium on Tuesday 11th November 2025 at 20.00 hours.

Jan Steen (c.1625/6-1679) is amongst the most popular painters of the Golden Age in his native country, yet relatively unknown abroad.  A near-contemporary of Vermeer, Steen painted a prodigious number of works, from portraits to biblical scenes, but most of all genre paintings – the genre in which Vermeer also excelled.  Yet unlike Vermeer, whose works appear understated and serene, Steen’s genre scenes are usually boisterous and filled with telling details.  Although the painter often included moralising symbols that warn against sin and indulgence through punishment and retribution, the lasting impression that his works usually convey is one of humour and joie de vivre.

This will be a live lecture with the lecturer physically present in the Atrium.  We are hoping that members and Guests will take the opportunity to come to the Atrium.  

For those unable to be present at the Atrium, this lecture will also be streamed via a Zoom to those who registered.

You are requested to sign up for the lecture beforehand, also if you are coming to join us in person at the Atrium, by clicking on the sentence at the 'How to book' section.