These lively scenes are often set in kitchens, living rooms, taverns, or at the market. Genre paintings were established in 16th century Flanders, but it was only in the 17th century that a huge market emerged in the Netherlands. Artists such as Johannes Vermeer and Judith Leyster specialised almost exclusively in this type of painting. The scenes they depicted appeared to have come straight from everyday life. These were no ‘photographic’ representations, however, and the artists actually painted them in their studio. The style remained popular throughout the 18th, 19th and 20th centuries, but the term ‘genre painting’ itself only came into use in the 19th century, at the height of its popularity.
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