The Doctor’s Visit 1663

Jan Steen created The Doctor’s Visit using oil paints, a common material in 17th-century Dutch painting, but one that invites close looking all the same. The material allows for the creation of luminous effects, especially visible here in the interplay of light and shadow on the figures' faces and clothing. Steen’s choice of oil paint speaks to the economic realities of the time. It’s a commodity, bought and sold, reflecting the increasing commercialization of art. The paint itself is a mixture of pigment and oil, ground and mixed by hand, a labor-intensive process that mirrors the work and labor depicted within the scene itself. Notice the rich textures of the fabrics, meticulously rendered to emphasize their weight and feel. Consider also the doctor's tools, each carefully depicted, underscoring his trade. Steen blurs the lines between art and everyday life, reflecting the material culture of his time. By attending to the materiality of the painting, we gain a deeper understanding of its historical and social context.