Explore the Historical Context of this artwork.
The painting was completed roughly twenty years before the end of the Eighty Years’ War (or the Dutch Revolt), and Dutch independence was reflected more and more in art. The medallion the drinker wears is thought to be Maurice, Prince of Orange, who organized the Dutch rebellion against Spain and gained admiration amongst the Dutch for his successful military strategies. The rebellion brought not only religious toleration but the development of an open art market that was driven by the rapidly growing middle class, trade, and ultimately formed the Dutch Golden Age. Protestantism and Calvinism overtook Catholicism in the Dutch North, which meant that instead of Catholic patrons commissioning art for their cathedrals, private citizens were now acquiring art for their homes to show off their new wealth. Specific sub-genres of painting, one of which was tavern scenes like The Merry Drinker, began to appear, and portraits too became very popular; Hals painted many. Paintings like these demonstrate a break from the religious and political themes of the Catholic church and reflect the freedom of Dutch independence.Hals was not particularly symbolistic in his paintings, but The Merry Drinker does show some figurative representations. The Merry Drinker was well liked for its seemingly impulsive setting and straightforwardness. It reflected an energy in the newly formed Dutch Republic and was in turn a reflection of a new Dutch culture: “individuality, independence, naturalness, honestly and ebullience.” It is emblematic of the Netherlands as a free state. The enthusiasm and pleasure of Hals’s Merry Drinker reveal the vigor and excitement of the newly formed independent Dutch Republic. The drinker’s fine clothes show his status and set him apart from other jolly toper paintings of the period. The golden colors that make up his clothing are a reference to the Dutch Golden Age. Typical of Hals’ paintings around this time, The Merry Drinker looks directly at viewers as if he is in conversation with them.A painting of merry folk like Hals’s was a reflection of real life. Paintings like these aided in making casual scenes and portraits desirable and could bring out a similar reaction in those viewing one. Dutch people were turning their attention away from serious paintings and developing a preference for more playful ones. Instead of depicting drinking as a moral warning, Hals shows the pleasures associated with it, as was popular in other forms of art in the Dutch Golden Age like Gerbrand Bredero's poems and satires. Paintings like The Merry Drinker both responded to and were influenced by the public’s taste in the art of the day.
Maurice, Prince of Orange genre Catholicism Dutch Republic Calvinism Hals Dutch Golden Age Eighty Years’ War (or the Dutch Revolt) Gerbrand Bredero Protestantism