The Feast of Saint Nicholas [SEP] collection
The Feast of Saint Nicholas
The Feast of Saint Nicholas (Dutch: Het Sint-Nicolaasfeest, c. 1665–1668), is a painting by Dutch master Jan Steen, which can now be found in the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam. It measures 82 x 70.5 cm. The picture, painted in the chaotic Jan Steen "style," depicts a family at home on December 5, the night celebrated in the Netherlands as the Feast of Saint Nicholas, or Sinterklaas.
The focal point of the painting is the youngest daughter
his "Historia" of Saint Nicholas (a collection of anthems, antiphons, responsories, lections and prayers designed to be recited throughout the day on the saint's feast day, in a Liturgy of the Hours) was 'artistically exceptional' and 'swept the world like a catchy new tune', as innovation had been subdued under Charlemagne but was just beginning to take off once again. He demonstrated his linguistic versatility by switching from language to language within the text. This "Historia" also earned Reginold the bishopric,