Steen, Jan (Havickszoon)

(born c. 1626, Leiden, Neth.—died Feb. 3, 1679, Leiden) Dutch painter. A brewer's son, he was enrolled at the University of Leiden in 1646 and in 1648 became a founding member of the Leiden painters' guild. One of the greatest Dutch genre painters, he is known for his humour and ability to capture subtle facial expressions, especially of children. His figures, which became larger and more individually characterized in his later works, were often shown playing cards or skittles, or carousing in inns and taverns. His paintings show great technical skill, particularly with colour. His late paintings, which anticipated the Rococo style, became increasingly elegant and somewhat less energetic.

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