The Dissolute Household

The Dissolute Household

The Dissolute Household

Steen and his family members imitate this domestic chaos scene, still called "Household Jan Steen" in the Netherlands.
The company committed various known sins, such as Sloth, Gluttony, Lust (papa and maid), and other offenses - a trampled Bible, and a beggar denied at the door - all unaware of the open clock, suggesting simplicity, and a basket hanging like Destiny over their heads (the objects in it promise poverty, illness, bad luck, and justice).
The only thing perfected about the picture is Steen's technique, especially in his wife's costume.

Provenance

Jan Tak, Leiden (land sales, Soeterwoude, Netherlands, 5 September 1781, No. 19, to fl. 439 to Hoogeveen)
Van Helsleuter [possibly Van Eyl Sluyter], Amsterdam (up to 1802; sale, Paris, January 25, 1802, No. 164, for Fr 1800 to Simon)
Cardinal Joseph Fesch, Rome (until 1839, his inheritance, 1839-45; cat., 1841, No. 855, land sale
Palais Ricci, Rome, 17ff March., 1845, No. 226, "La Joyeuse collation" for 1,150 écus romains [Fr 6,325] to Preston)
Jules Porgès, Paris (1911); [N. Gallery Beets, Amsterdam]; H. E. ten Cate, Almelo, then De Lutte (near Oldenzaal), the Netherlands (in 1926 - at least 1957)
Mrs. Myrtil Frank, New York (until 1964; sold to Linsky via the New York Hanseatic Association)
Mr. and Mrs. Jack Linsky, New York (1964 - d 1980)
The Jack and Belle Linsky Foundation, New York (1980-82)

Artist:
Jan Steen (Dutch, Leiden 1626–1679 Leiden)
Date:
ca. 1663-64
Medium:
Oil on canvas
Dimensions:
42 1/2 x 35 1/2 in. (108 x 90.2 cm)
Classification:
Paintings
Credit Line:
The Jack and Belle Linsky Collection, 1982

Copyright Image
https://images.metmuseum.org