The prayer before the meal (1660)
Technique: Giclée quality print
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More about this artwork
Dutch artist Jan Steen, known for his lively and often humorous depictions of everyday life, presents a serene, intimate moment in . Painted in 1660, this work captures the piety and simplicity characteristic of Dutch Golden Age interiors.The painting shows a family gathered around a modest dinner table. To the right, a man, possibly the head of the family, closes his eyes in prayer, his hands clasped and a devout expression on his face. Seated across from him is a woman dressed in a traditional Dutch attire, holding a small, rosy-cheeked child on her lap. The child's attention is drawn towards the viewer, adding an engaging touch to the scene.Surrounding the family is a wealth of detail that tells the story of their life; a robust loaf of bread and a roasted bird ready to be eaten symbolize nourishment and the family's provisions. On the wall hangs a decorative plate and a written script, possibly a prayer, further emphasizing the family's religious devotion. Through the window, a hint of a pastoral landscape offers a glimpse into the world outside their warm interior.Jan Steen's intricate work not only portrays the bonding of a family over a meal but also beautifully reflects the era's domestic virtues and the importance of gratitude and prayer.