The Merry Drinker, Frans Hals, c. 1628 - c. 1630

The Merry Drinker, Frans Hals, c. 1628 - c. 1630

oil on canvas, h 81cm × w 66.5cm Catalogue entry

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.

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