The Fortune Teller

Steen often painted scenes from Dutch daily life with a moral message. The young woman sitting by her spinning wheel has her fortune read. She may be a sex worker, and the older hooded woman the brothel-keeper. The soldiers in the background may be their clients. The future of the sleeping child is uncertain. This is symbolised by the safety of their padded cap, in contrast to the doll dangling off the edge of the chair.