Why Did Jan Steen Paint a Doctor Checking Her Pulse? | The Sick Lady

She wasn't really sick… so why did she need a doctor? Jan Steen’s The Sick Lady turns a simple medical visit into something much more interesting. The doctor is checking the woman’s pulse, but the painting hints that her “illness” may have had less to do with her body—and more to do with love. In 17th-century Dutch art, “lovesickness” was a popular subject, and Steen often used humor and satire to tell these stories. Look closely at the scene… the real diagnosis may surprise you. #ArtHistory #JanSteen #TheSickLady #DutchGoldenAge #ClassicalArt #ArtLovers #History #FineArt #MuseumArt