The individuals, mostly up to no good, are assembled in the composition in a roughly triangular formation, fronted by the obviously loose-living young woman smiling flirtatiously at the viewer.

[2][3] Jan Steen's picture is a realistic yet funny distortion of a Dutch family home living in chaos, and it may serve as a warning to viewers of the foolishness and repercussions of such a lifestyle.

[3] The canvas is a humorous illustration of a Dutch saying: In Weelde Siet Toe, which, in full, loosely translates as "In good times, beware the consequences".

[2][3] The painting depicts a luxurious interior filled with expensive furnishings and decorations, including a marble fireplace, a chandelier, and ornate tapestries.

A young woman turns to face us while holding a glass of red wine in her left hand and puts it on the male crotch.

There are scattered objects across the floor: a man hat, his pipe, cars, a notebook, a bowl, a cup, a water pitcher, and pretzels.

The title of the painting, Beware of Luxury, is a warning to the viewer to avoid the temptations of excess and to live a virtuous and balanced life.

The composition of the painting reinforces this message, as the figures are shown engaged in various forms of excess and indulgence, from drinking and eating to playing music and reading frivolous books.

[2][3] Warnings of the consequences of immoral behavior include the Quaker with a duck on his shoulder reading out pious texts and a basket of instruments of punishment hanging from the ceiling.

The moral of the story is clear: sinners guilty of the deadly sin of lust (an uncontrolled desire for earthly pleasure) must expect some penalty.

Oil paint is a medium that has been used by artists for centuries, and it allows for rich and vibrant colors as well as a wide range of textures and effects.