The Merry Drinker

Frans Hals (signed by artist), c. 1628 - c. 1630

This work is a pinnacle of Hals’ bold and loose ‘rough’ style. The brushstrokes criss-cross the canvas, creating the impression of rapid execution as well as suggesting movement. The sitter, likely a civic guardsman or a military man based on his attire, is just about to raise his glass to toast with us.

Object numberMissing ObjectNumber
Dimensionssupport: height 81 cm x width 66.5 cm
Physical characteristicsoil on canvas

Stories

The Merry Drinker

1:17 min. - Take a look at the quick and short brushstrokes

Not available digitally

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more by Frans Hals

Portrait of a Married Couple, Likely Isaac Abrahamsz Massa and Beatrix van der Laen

Frans Hals, c. 1622

Portrait of a Married Couple, Likely Isaac Abrahamsz Massa and Beatrix van der Laen

Militia Company of District XI under the Command of Captain Reynier Reael

Frans Hals, Pieter Codde, 1637

Militia Company of District XI under the Command of Captain Reynier Reael

Portrait of Duijfje van Gerwen (1618-1658)

Frans Hals, c. 1637

Portrait of Duijfje van Gerwen (1618-1658)

The Lute Player

copy after Frans Hals, c. 1623 - c. 1624

Portrait of Jan van de Poll (1597-1678)

Frans Hals, c. 1637

Portrait of Maritge Claesdr Vooght

Frans Hals, 1639

Identification

Title(s)
- The Merry Drinker
- The Merry Drinker (former title)
- A Civic Guardsman Holding a Berkemeier, known as 'The Merry Drinker'
Object number
Missing ObjectNumber
Description
De vrolijke drinker. Lachende man met baard en grote zwarte hoed, ten halven lijve, met een berkenmeier in de linkerhand en opgeheven rechterhand. Om de hals een medaillon aan een ketting.
Inscriptions / marks
signature, ligated monogram, centre right: ‘FH’
Part of catalogue

Creation

Creation
painter: Frans Hals (signed by artist)
Dating
c. 1628 - c. 1630
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Material and technique

Physical description
oil on canvas
Dimensions
support: height 81 cm x width 66.5 cm

This work is about

Subject

Acquisition and rights

Documentation

- H. Kaufmann, 'Die Fünfsinne in der Niederlänischen Malerei des 17. Jahrhunderts', in: Kunstgeschichtliche Studien, Breslau 1943, p. 141, afb. 22 (misschien de smaak of meer speciaal de geneugten van het drinken).
- F. Desbuissons, A l'enseigne du Bon Bock, in: La revue de Musée d'Orsay nr. 30 (automne 2010) 48, 14, p. 35, fig. 2
- Rijksmuseum Kunstkrant, Jaargang 33 (sept.-okt. 2007), nr. 5, p. 9