The Feast of St NicholasJan Havicksz Steen

Jan Havicksz Steen (c.1625–1679) captures the lively St Nicholas Day tradition, celebrated in December in the Netherlands. Good children, like the girl with a bucket of treats, receive gifts, while naughty ones, such as the crying boy, find only a switch in their shoe. Steen vividly portrays the festive atmosphere and moral lessons of this cultural celebration, highlighting the joy and discipline central to the holiday.