Cister-playing woman, Jan Steen
A woman looks at us penetratingly, plucking at her sister. She sits in an empty space, so nothing distracts and her gaze is inescapable. Jan Steen is best known for his humorous, homely scenes, but he also painted several of these seductive women.
Strangely enough, Steen gave the woman a black headscarf, which you would expect from an old berry. Because of the contrast between the good cap and her penetrating gaze, it is unclear what she wants from the viewer.
Jan Havickszoon Steen (1626-1679) was a Dutch Golden Age painter, one of the leading genre painters of the 17th century. His works are known for their psychological insight, sense of humour and abundance of colour.
                                
Discover more Old Masters in the following collections:
 Jacob Maris - Fishing boat
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Almond blossom painting by Vincent van Gogh The mill at Wijk bij Duurstede, Jacob Isaacksz. van Ruisdael
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The School of Athens, Raphael Italian landscape with pine trees, Hendrik Voogd
Italian landscape with pine trees, Hendrik Voogd Vincent van Gogh. Flower beds in Holland
Vincent van Gogh. Flower beds in Holland Bouquet of flowers on white background (seen at VT Wonen)
Bouquet of flowers on white background (seen at VT Wonen) Agapanthus, Claude Monet
Agapanthus, Claude Monet Vincent van Gogh. Sunflowers
Vincent van Gogh. Sunflowers The Milkmaid - Vermeer painting
The Milkmaid - Vermeer painting Portrait of a woman, anonymous - 1633
Portrait of a woman, anonymous - 1633 The great wave of Kanagawa, Hokusai
The great wave of Kanagawa, Hokusai Flower arrangement, Jan Davidsz. de Heem
Flower arrangement, Jan Davidsz. de Heem A Amsterdam street scene - Adrianus Eversen
A Amsterdam street scene - Adrianus Eversen The Artist’s Garden in Giverny, Claude Monet
The Artist’s Garden in Giverny, Claude Monet The Mirror, Robert Reid
The Mirror, Robert Reid Spring Flowers, Claude Monet
Spring Flowers, Claude Monet Queen Elizabeth of Bourbon
Queen Elizabeth of Bourbon Vincent van Gogh. Olive orchard
Vincent van Gogh. Olive orchard Cypresses
Cypresses