The merry homecoming (1670 - 1679)

We are delighted to feature on our website Jan Steen's evocative painting, "The Merry Homecoming," created between 1670 and 1679. This artwork vividly captures a moment of familial and community joy, characteristic of Steen's genre scenes which often brim with life and humor.In "The Merry Homecoming," the artist illustrates the lively scene of a man returning home, greeted with warmth and affection by family and friends. The setting is a rustic riverbank where a boat has just moored. The central figure, a man, receives a kiss from an older woman, likely his mother, indicating his long-awaited arrival. Nearby, an older man with a hat joyfully raises his hand in a greeting or perhaps a blessing.To the left, the painting shows younger members of the community engaging in various activities; a boy plays with a toy, while another child seated at the stern of the boat looks contemplatively at a piece of paper. In stark contrast, another figure lies sprawled across the boat in sleep or exhaustion, adding a humorous touch typical of Steen’s work.On the right, at the boat's bow, a woman seated with a child in her lap speaks to an elderly man, creating a scene of tender generational interaction. Another figure, possibly a servant or a friend, assists by holding the boat steady with a pole.The backdrop displays a quaint house partially hidden by trees, with figures visible in the window, further suggesting the communal anticipation of the man’s return. This scene is not only a depiction of a moment but also tells the story of life, community, and the joys of family bonds, rendered with Jan Steen’s characteristic warmth and eye for detail.