Steen, Jan Havicksz. – Erysichthon verkoopt zijn dochter Mestra, 1650-1660 Rijksmuseum: part 3

The scene unfolds within a densely wooded landscape, dominated by a gnarled and imposing tree that serves as a central compositional element. Here we see three figures engaged in what appears to be a transaction. A man, richly dressed in crimson robes with a dark beard and hair, stands holding coins while gesturing towards a young girl held in the arms of another figure – presumably her mother, clad in simple attire. The third individual, an older man with long, unkempt hair and wearing a coarse tunic, sits on a low stone wall, extending his hand as if receiving something from the richly dressed man.
The setting is not merely decorative; it contributes significantly to the narrative’s atmosphere. The thick foliage creates a sense of enclosure and isolation, suggesting a hidden or illicit activity. A distant cityscape is visible through gaps in the trees, hinting at a world beyond this secluded location – perhaps representing civilization or societal norms from which these characters are excluded.
Arranged on the ground before the figures are several objects: a large earthenware jug, a basket containing fish, and loaves of bread. These items suggest sustenance and material need, implying that the transaction is motivated by economic hardship. The presence of an axe leaning against the wall further reinforces this notion, possibly symbolizing labor or the means to acquire resources.
The expressions on the faces of the figures are particularly noteworthy. The man in crimson displays a detached, almost indifferent demeanor, while the older man’s expression conveys a mixture of desperation and resignation. The mothers face is obscured, but her posture suggests protectiveness mingled with sorrow.
Subtleties within the painting suggest deeper layers of meaning. The contrast between the opulent clothing of one figure and the poverty of the others highlights themes of social inequality and exploitation. The act itself – seemingly a sale or exchange of a young girl – implies a moral transgression, potentially alluding to themes of familial duty versus economic necessity, or even darker implications of human trafficking. The tree’s imposing presence could be interpreted as a symbol of fate or an indifferent natural order observing the unfolding drama. Overall, the painting conveys a sense of melancholy and moral ambiguity, prompting reflection on the complexities of human relationships and the harsh realities of survival.