\paperw19995 \margr0\margl0 \plain \fs20 \f1 This work is part of a series of pictures of similar compositions, painted by the artist in the mid-1630s under the influenc
e of CaravaggioÆs style that was spreading through Northern Europe at that time. The figure of the merry drinker winks at us from a neutral but mellow background. The artistÆs extremely rapid brushstrokes do not neglect a single detail, from the lace r
uff of the shirt to the golden belt buckle. The brushwork alone seems to impart a continuous sense of movement to the figure. This is evident in the depiction of the face, in particular the beard and hair, which look as if they are ruffled by the wind.
His expression also looks befuddled, his gaze directed at an indeterminate point outside the canvas. The liveliness of the sitter is accentuated by his position in the foreground, with a palm raised as if to invite someone to join him and to take the
glass of wine in his other hand, represented with just a few brushstrokes. The artist prefers pale tones and contrasts of color, as is apparent from the dark and uniform patch formed by the hat. The painterÆs monogram is visible on the right.
