The artwork, titled “Meal,” is an oil painting on wood created by Jan Steen around 1650. It belongs to the Baroque art movement and is a genre painting, showcasing everyday life scenes. The dimensions of the painting are 41 x 50 cm, and it is currently housed in the Uffizi Gallery in Florence, Italy.
In the artwork, a domestic scene unfolds before an open room with a picturesque background visible through an archway. At the center, a table set with a meal takes prominence, featuring a loaf of bread, a jug, and other items that suggest a communal dining setting. Seated at the table, a woman with her back to the viewer is joined by various figures engaged in lively interaction. One figure, adorned in a dark hat and cloak, converses with others. To the left, a younger individual plays the violin, contributing a sense of music and festivity to the gathering. Each character is rendered with distinct expressions and postures, capturing the essence of daily life with intricate detail and a touch of humor, characteristic of Jan Steen’s work. The warm, earthy palette enhances the sense of intimacy and conviviality within the scene.
