Signboard of a wineshop: tasting the wine (one side); barreling the wine (other side)

Executed on copper, the painting benefits from the metal’s smooth surface, allowing Cuyp to render fine details and a luminous finish. Strong chiaroscuro creates a dramatic contrast between the half‑lit face of the seated man and the surrounding darkness, emphasizing texture and form within the confined space.

The work has been part of the Rijksmuseum’s holdings since the early 20th century, acquired through the museum’s efforts to assemble representative examples of Dutch commercial art. Its attribution to Cuyp rests on stylistic analysis and documentation linking the piece to his workshop around the mid‑17th century.

During the Dutch Golden Age, signboards served both advertising and decorative purposes, often portraying the goods sold. Cuyp’s sign reflects the period’s interest in realistic genre scenes and the growing importance of wine consumption in urban Dutch society, merging commercial function with artistic skill.