The Merry Drinker, Frans Hals, 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.