A genre painting by Godfried Schalcken, 'Elk zijn meug' (Everyone to His Liking) captures an intimate scene of figures enjoying food, reflecting the social customs and individual preferences of the Dutch Golden Age.

Godfried Schalcken, a Dutch Golden Age painter known for his genre scenes and portraits, created 'Elk zijn meug' (Everyone to His Liking). Schalcken trained with Samuel van Hoogstraten and later with Gerard Dou, absorbing influences from the Leiden fijnschilders (fine painters). He became known for his skill in depicting candlelight and nocturnal scenes. His works often feature moralising or anecdotal themes, reflecting the social customs of the time. 'Elk zijn meug' depicts a group of figures gathered around a table, engaged in the act of eating. A young woman holds an egg, while a child eagerly consumes food from a plate. An older man with spectacles looks on, his expression suggesting amusement or perhaps a subtle critique of the scene. The composition is intimate, drawing the viewer into the domestic setting. The artist's attention to detail is evident in the textures of the clothing and the rendering of light on the faces. The painting's title, inscribed on a piece of paper in the upper right corner, translates to 'Everyone to His Liking', hinting at the individual preferences and indulgences portrayed within the scene.