Who painted Merry Company?

Merry Company was painted by Jan Steen in 1663.

Where can I see Merry Company?

Merry Company is held by Philadelphia Museum of Art.

What movement is Merry Company?

Merry Company is associated with Dutch Golden Age.

Can I buy a print of Merry Company?

Museum-quality prints of Merry Company are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.

Artwork

Merry Company

Jan Steen , 1663

Merry Company is an oil painting by the Dutch Golden Age artist Jan Steen. It dates from 1663 and is held in the collection of the Philadelphia Museum of Art.

About this work

Overview

Jan Steen’s 1663 oil painting titled Merry Company depicts a convivial gathering in an interior space. The work is part of the collection of the Philadelphia Museum of Art and exemplifies the Dutch genre tradition of portraying everyday life with a touch of humor.

Subject & Meaning

The composition centers on a group of figures around a table laden with food and drink. A woman cradles an infant, while a man to her right sips from a pipe, suggesting a relaxed, domestic atmosphere. Laughter and conversation animate the scene, conveying a sense of warmth and social fellowship.

Technique & Style

Executed in oil on canvas, the painting employs Steen’s characteristic brisk brushwork and vivid coloration. Light streams through a left‑hand window, illuminating details such as a hanging basket, a wall clock, and assorted household objects, thereby creating depth and a lively interior ambience.

History & Provenance

Created in the mid‑seventeenth century, Merry Company has remained in private and public hands before its acquisition by the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Its provenance reflects the broader interest in Dutch genre paintings among European and American collectors.

Context

Steen was renowned for his depictions of merrymaking and domestic scenes, often embedding moral commentary beneath the surface humor. This work aligns with that tradition, presenting a seemingly carefree moment that also hints at the social customs and material culture of the Dutch Golden Age.