‘As the Old Sing,so Pipe the Young’ (c. 1663 - 1665)

Jan Steen's painting, "As the Old Sing, So Pipe the Young," painted around 1663-1665, offers a vibrant glimpse into Dutch interior life that combines humor, moral instruction, and acute observation of human nature. This artwork resonates with Steen's characteristic style, interweaving lively scenes of daily life with a deeper, often moralistic meaning.The scene unfurls in a bustling household, presumably during a family gathering or celebration. Steen's composition masterfully captures the intergenerational revelry and interactions: from the elderly couple engaging tenderly with a small child outfitted in oversized spectacles, to the youthful figures echoing the adults' actions with playful mimicry. At the center, a woman tilts her head, listening intently to a man playing a flute as a cheeky boy watches them closely. Nearby, a young boy attempts to play another wind instrument, while a girl sits pensively at a table.Steen’s clever use of symbols and expressions adds layers to the scene, suggesting the proverb from which the painting's title is derived, indicating that children will mimic the behavior of the adults around them. Subtle details, like the half-eaten pie and the overturned objects, contribute to the ambiance of convivial chaos.Each character, whether prominently displayed or subtly placed in the darkness of the background, showcases Steen's skill in portraying a wide range of emotions and actions, inviting viewers to ponder the social and moral fabrics of 17th-century Dutch life. The inclusion of animals like the dog and the bird in the cage further enhances the lively domestic atmosphere, rounding off a scene replete with symbolic and literal narratives.