Frans HalsDutch, 1581–1666A Militiaman Holding a Berkemeyer, Known as the ‘Merry Drinker’
De vrolijke drinker
May one see it?
Yes, receiving visitors
Rijksmuseum
Room2.30 · Gallery of HonourAmsterdam, Netherlands
On public display.
- Checked
- 5 hours ago
- In this state since
- Sep 29, 2026
- Source
- The museum's own collection data
About the painting
The Merry Drinker is an oil-on-canvas painting by Dutch artist Frans Hals, from c. 1628–1630. The painting has dimensions of 81 by 66.5 centimeters. It is in the collection of the Rijksmuseum, in Amsterdam.
Hals's unique painting style is a result of layering the paint and employing loose brushstrokes. It has been difficult to classify the painting and there has been much discussion about whether it is a genre piece or a portrait. It is one of the Rijksmuseum's most popular pieces due to its originality and candor, reflecting the energy of the Dutch Golden Age.
Particulars
- Accession number
- SK-A-135
What it shows
Comings and goings
On view · Room 2.30 · Gallery of Honour
Rijksmuseum · Sep 29, 2026 — now · Verified
Whether it was on view is unknown
Rijksmuseum · Unconfirmed
Sources
- Rijksmuseum: the museum's own open data · fetched 4 days ago
- Image: Rijksmuseum — public domain
Meanwhile, in the life of Frans Hals
The whole life1617–1666 · Workplace
Haarlem
1618–1626
The chamber of rhetoric “The Vine Branches”
From 1618 to 1626 Hals is a member of Haarlem's chamber of rhetoric, the literary society “The Vine Branches” (De Wijngaertranken).
1620–1630
More commissioned portraits and new pupils
Between 1620 and 1630 Hals paints more and more commissioned portraits and takes on pupils, probably including Philips Wouwerman.
1626
Pupil: Adriaen van Ostade
1627
Son born: Reynier Hals
1628
Son born: Nicolaes Hals
