Ascagnes and Lucelle (The Music Lesson)
1667 National Gallery of Art, Washington D.C.
About this artwork
This oil on canvas work depicts a theatrical scene featuring a couple interacting through music. It is a prime example of Dutch Golden Age genre painting, characterized by rich textures and domestic intimacy.
Did you know?
Jan Steen was famously known for his chaotic, humorous, and sometimes messy household scenes, leading to the Dutch proverb 'a Jan Steen household' for a disorderly home. However, this particular painting showcases his ability to handle refined, quiet domestic tension with great skill. The scene is inspired by the contemporary play 'Ascagnes and Lucelle' by J.G. van Brederode, illustrating a moment of romantic flirtation through music.
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Ascagnes and Lucelle (The Music Lesson)
Jan Steen, 1667
