Neglected oeuvre
The exhibition Jan Steen’s Histories looks at the little-known part of Jan Steen’s oeuvre: the history paintings. Until the mid-eighteenth century, these paintings were among Steen’s most expensive works. But as time went on, their value diminished, presumably because their humorous character became increasingly unfashionable. It would be no exaggeration to say that the history paintings form a misunderstood part of Steen’s oeuvre to this day.
Steen depicted a broad range of subjects taken from the Bible, apocryphal writings and classical mythology, which he depicted in a highly original way. Stories taken from these sources were known as ‘histories’ in Steen’s day. Some seventy-five history paintings by Steen survive today, representing around a sixth of his oeuvre. They are tales full of torment, treachery and temptation, all expressed by Jan Steen in his own playful way. In his history paintings – just as in his genre pieces – Steen pays particular attention to the interaction between the figures and pokes fun through the behaviour of his main characters.
Mauritshuis and Jan Steen
The Mauritshuis often works on Jan Steen, who is considered one of the leading painters of the Dutch Golden Age (alongside Rembrandt, Vermeer and Hals). The museum owns fifteen of his paintings. In 2011 the museum expanded its sizeable collection of Steens with its first history painting: Moses and Pharaoh’s Crown. The fact that there been no a history piece in the collection before this time demonstrates that this part of Steen’s oeuvre had been undervalued for many years. This acquisition now provides the impetus for this exhibition that will shine a light on Jan Steen’s versatility as an artist.
The initial results of the technical examination of Jan Steen’s work – undertaken over the last few years by the Mauritshuis together with Shell as Partners in Science – will appear in the exhibition. Mauritshuis conservators and experts from Shell have been investigating the pigments used by Steen in Shell’s research laboratory. The aim of the research is to gain a better understanding of Steen’s painting technique and the chronological development of his work.
With thanks to
The exhibition Jan Steen’s Histories is realised in part due to the generous support of Nationale-Nederlanden, part of NN Group, as well as the Friends of the Mauritshuis Foundation, the BankGiro Lottery, a donation from the late Mr Gerard van Meurs, the Zabawas Foundation and the American Friends of the Mauritshuis.
Catalogue
The Mauritshuis and Waanders Publishers have produced a richly illustrated catalogue (in Dutch and English) to accompany the exhibition Jan Steen’s Histories, available in the museum shop and all good bookshops. The catalogue is written by Ariane van Suchtelen (Mauritshuis Curator) with contributions from Wouter Kloek, Mariët Westermann, Yvonne Bleyerveld, Lea van der Vinde and Rosalie van Gulick. Jan Steen’s Histories; € 27,50 (ISBN: 978 94 6262 1664 NUR 644).
Upcoming exhibitions at the Mauritshuis
Jan Steen’s Histories - 15 February - 13 May 2018
In the exhibition Jan Steen’s Histories, the Mauritshuis will exhibit a selection of Jan Steen’s finest history paintings.
The Girl in the Spotlight - 26 February – 11 March 2018
In 2018 the Mauritshuis will undertake new research into Vermeer’s Girl with a Pearl Earring, its most famous painting. Initial technical examination will take place in the museum’s ‘Golden Room’ under the watchful eye of museum visitors. For a period of two weeks, the public will be able take a closer look with the researchers before the team goes on to analyse the data.
Rogier van der Weyden - 14 June - 9 September 2018
The Mauritshuis will undertake research and conservation of one of its oldest and most special paintings: The Lamentation of Christ, painted by Rogier van der Weyden around 1460-1464. Visitors will get to know everything about this fascinating painting, while at the same time getting a peek behind the scenes of the museum’s conservation studio.
Dutch Paintings from National Trust Houses - 11 October 2018 - 6 January 2019
English country houses have traditionally been home to many masters of the Dutch Golden Age. For this exhibition, the Mauritshuis has selected the finest paintings from houses managed by the National Trust. This will be a first for the Mauritshuis – never before has such a selection been exhibited in the Netherlands.
More information on upcoming exhibitions: www.mauritshuis.nl/en/discover/exhibitions/upcoming/
