Artwork

Interior of an inn with an old man amusing himself with the landlady and two men playing backgammon, known as 'Two kinds of games'

Interior of an inn with an old man amusing himself with the landlady and two men playing backgammon, known as 'Two kinds of games' is an oil painting by the Dutch Golden Age artist Jan Steen. It dates from 1669 and is held in the collection of the Rijksmuseum.

About this work

Subject & Meaning

As a work of genre art, the painting represents a slice of daily social life, focusing on human interaction and leisure activities within a public house.

This genre scene by Jan Steen, dated 1669, depicts the lively interior of an inn. The composition features an elderly man engaging with a landlady, while two other men occupy themselves with a game of backgammon at a table. The setting includes typical tavern elements such as barrels, stools, and chairs, framed by architectural details like a doorway and window.

As a work of genre art, the painting represents a slice of daily social life, focusing on human interaction and leisure activities within a public house. The title, 'Two kinds of games,' suggests a thematic duality, likely contrasting the literal board game being played with the social or romantic 'game' occurring between the old man and the woman, highlighting the artist's interest in the varied amusements found in such establishments.

Technique & Style

The work is an oil painting executed on canvas, a typical support for Dutch genre scenes of the mid-17th century. Jan Steen applied thin, layered brushstrokes to render the interior space with a muted palette and subtle chiaroscuro that emphasizes the domestic activity of the backgammon players and the inn's furnishings. The composition balances narrative detail with a slightly theatrical arrangement of figures, reflecting the genre's focus on everyday life. The painting was created in 1669 and is now held in the Rijksmuseum's collection.

History & Provenance

Jan Steen created this oil on canvas painting in 1669. The artwork, formally titled 'Interior of an inn with an old man amusing himself with the landlady and two men playing backgammon', is also known as 'Two kinds of games'. Currently held in the Rijksmuseum collection, specific details regarding its original commission or the complete chain of ownership prior to its museum acquisition are not provided in the available sources.

Overview

Jan Steen's 1669 oil painting, "Interior of an inn with an old man amusing himself with the landlady and two men playing backgammon," often referred to as 'Two kinds of games,' captures a vibrant domestic scene. This genre painting depicts various figures engaged in leisure within a bustling tavern setting. The composition includes common elements of such establishments, like a prominent barrel and seating, illuminated by natural light entering through a window.