Ян Стен – Дети, обучающие кошку танцевать (известна такжже как “Урок танцев”) * Jan Havicksz Steen (1625-1679)

Here we observe a domestic interior scene imbued with playful energy and subtle social commentary. The composition is centered around a group of children engaged in instructing a white cat in the art of dancing. A young girl, positioned slightly apart from the others, plays a flute, seemingly providing the musical accompaniment for this unusual lesson. Her posture suggests both concentration and a degree of self-importance; she appears to be the conductor of this whimsical performance.
The other children are arranged around a long table, their expressions ranging from amusement to intense focus. One boy holds the cat close, while another leans in with an air of eager participation. The lighting is carefully orchestrated, highlighting the faces of the children and emphasizing the cats central role. A dog sits attentively at the foot of the table, seemingly captivated by the spectacle unfolding above him.
The setting itself contributes to the overall narrative. The room appears modest, suggesting a middle-class household. Details such as the hanging lute and pewter tableware add texture and authenticity to the scene. Above the group, in a niche within the wall, is a portrait of an older man with a mischievous expression; his presence hints at a sense of ironic observation or perhaps even complicity in the childrens antics.
Beyond the surface level depiction of childhood amusement, the painting invites consideration of broader themes. The act of teaching – and the potential for futility inherent in attempting to impart skills to an animal – could be interpreted as a metaphor for education and societal expectations. The children’s earnestness contrasts with the absurdity of their task, creating a subtle tension between aspiration and reality. The portrait above serves as a reminder that even within seemingly simple domestic scenes, there exists a layer of social critique or wry commentary on human behavior. Ultimately, the work captures a moment of fleeting joy and innocent folly, while simultaneously prompting reflection on the complexities of learning, performance, and the nature of authority.