A Young Woman playing a Harpsichord to a Young Man
- Artist: Jan Steen
- Date: probably 1659
- Medium: oil on wood
- Museum: The National Gallery
- Collection record: The National Gallery website
Listen to the free audio guide
About this artwork
This is "A Young Woman playing a Harpsichord to a Young Man" painted by Jan Steen. The painting depicts a scene of courtship, where the young woman is concentrating on her sheet of music while her admirer looks on with a coy expression.
Notice how the Latin inscriptions on the harpsichord provide a witty commentary on the situation. Below the keys, it reads "SOLI DEO GLORIA" - 'Glory to God alone' - implying that the young woman is playing solely for religious purposes. But on the open lid, it says "ACTA VIRUM PROBANT" - 'actions prove the man' - hinting at what's about to happen next.
As we look closer, you'll see a pageboy approaching through the open door in the background, carrying a theorbo. This was a common metaphor for two people joining together in harmonious love. The harpsichord itself is a beautiful example of 17th-century craftsmanship, with intricate patterns and decorations.
Jan Steen's mastery in rendering different materials is evident here - take note of the woven tapestry in the background and the bright, shiny satin on the woman's skirt and bodice. And look closely at the inscription above the keyboard, where Steen has signed his name and included the date - 1659.
See it in person
A Young Woman playing a Harpsichord to a Young Man hangs in The National Gallery on Trafalgar Square, London — free to enter. Point your phone at any artwork there and audioguide.london plays a free audio guide in six languages — no app download needed.
