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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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5029. The Smokers

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More Artwork

More Artwork
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Studies for an Adoration of the Shepherds, Adriaen Brouwer Flemish, Pen and brown ink, over black chalk; framing line in pen and brown ink, probably by a later hand
Studies for an Adoration of the Shepherds
Adriaen Brouwer
early 17th century
Gluttony, from "The Seven Vices"
Adriaen Brouwer
Lucas Vorsterman I
1615–75
Sleeping Peasant in an Inn
Adriaen Brouwer
Jan Groensvelt
1675 – 1728
Man Playing a Violin and a Woman Seated in an Inn
Adriaen Brouwer
Late 17th century
Peasant Holding a Roemer
Adriaen Brouwer
mid 17th century

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