Artwork
The Drinker
The Drinker is a paint painting by the Dutch Golden Age artist Jacob Adriaensz Backer. It dates from 1634 and is held in the collection of the Gemäldegalerie Berlin.
About this work
Overview
The Drinker is a 1634 oil painting by Jacob Adriaensz Backer, a Dutch Golden Age artist known for his portraits and narrative works. The painting is part of the Gemäldegalerie Berlin collection.
Subject & Meaning
The painting depicts a man with a mustache and curly hair, dressed in 17th-century attire, holding a glass in his outstretched right hand. His neutral expression and direct gaze create a sense of engagement with the viewer, while the overall somber atmosphere lends gravity to the scene.
Technique & Style
Backer's use of chiaroscuro, with a strong light source from the left, creates a sense of depth and volume, drawing attention to the subject's face. The contrast between light and dark areas adds to the overall somber mood.
History & Provenance
Created in 1634, The Drinker reflects the artistic influences of Backer's time, including Wybrand de Geest, Rubens, and Abraham Bloemaert, evident in its style and execution.
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Artist & collection
Artist
Jacob Adriaensz Backer (1608 – 27 August 1651) was a Dutch Golden Age painter. He produced about 140 paintings in twenty years, including portraits, religious subjects, and mythological paintings. In his style, he was…
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