The Smokers

ca. 1636
On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 637
Despite his early death, Brouwer’s talent and flair for human comedy earned him the esteem of fellow artists, and he had a lasting influence on genre painting. In this famous picture, Brouwer himself (center foreground) plays one of his typical revelers, seemingly surprised by the viewer’s intrusion on the scene. In addition to his comic genius, Brouwer masterfully displays a range of ephemeral effects, ranging from curling smoke to grimaces.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: The Smokers
  • Artist: Adriaen Brouwer (Flemish, Oudenaarde 1605/6–1638 Antwerp)
  • Date: ca. 1636
  • Medium: Oil on wood
  • Dimensions: 18 1/4 × 14 1/2 in. (46.4 × 36.8 cm)
  • Classification: Paintings
  • Credit Line: The Friedsam Collection, Bequest of Michael Friedsam, 1931
  • Object Number: 32.100.21
  • Curatorial Department: European Paintings

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Cover Image for 5029. The Smokers

5029. The Smokers

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