Marking the 400th anniversary of his birth, the National Gallery of Ireland celebrates Jan Steen. Renowned for his ability to capture the variety and humor of human nature, Steen’s work extends beyond the chaotic genre scenes for which he is best known, encompassing exquisitely painted religious narratives, portraits, and high-society scenes. The museum’s two Steen paintings, The Village School (ca. 1665) and The Marriage Feast at Cana (1665–1670), exemplify the artist’s remarkable range. This special display brings together a selection of his masterpieces from international loans, offering a comprehensive look at his most productive decades. It explores Steen’s distinct approach to each genre he painted, while uniting them through his narrative mastery and covering the spectrum of humanity – from the sacred to the profane.
Jan Steen (1626-1679), The Marriage Feast at Cana, 1665-1670, National Gallery of Ireland, Dublin