oil paint
The Quack
Jan Steen
This 1650 genre painting by Jan Steen captures a spirited and satirical moment of village life in the Dutch Golden Age.
The Quack
Adriaen van Ostade
1648 · Oil Paint, Panel
An engaging Dutch Golden Age genre scene depicting a traveling quack entertaining a curious group of villagers.
$129
For the selected configuration
From $129
3 frame sizes
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Made to order in ~2 business days · Free U.S. standard shipping (typically 5–8 business days after dispatch)
Where it works
A balanced artwork with steady presence with warm, lived-in color — asks little of the space around it.
- Often works in
- Library · Living Room · Study
- Placement
- Strong for entryways, narrow walls, and vertical placements
- Walls
- Benefits from light or mid-tone surroundings
- Color notes
- Charcoal black, Soft gray
About the piece
Painted in 1648 by Adriaen van Ostade, this masterful genre scene captures the lively atmosphere of a 17th-century village. A traveling 'quack' or medicine man, distinguished by his red cap and theatrical gestures, holds the attention of an intrigued audience of peasants gathered beneath the shade of a towering tree. Van Ostade's expert handling of light and earthy tones creates an authentic and inviting glimpse into historical European life.
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