The Drinker
- Original dimensions
- 151 x 107 cm
- Museum
- Prado Museum
- Year
- 1777
Scene depicted
This painting immerses us in a scene where a man, visibly intoxicated, intensely expresses the dependence on alcohol and the fleeting pleasures of life. Goya's gaze on this social reality, oscillating between social critique and humor, offers a profound reflection on the human condition and the meanders of consumption.
Historical context
Created in 1777, The Drinker is an iconic painting by the Spanish artist Francisco de Goya . This canvas was born in Madrid, in the heart of Spain, during a period of social and political upheaval that would mark baroque art and the beginning of romanticism . The painting is currently displayed at the prestigious Prado Museum, a showcase for this work measuring 151 x 107 cm.
Place in the artist's career
The Drinker is situated at the beginning of Goya's career. It symbolizes a stage of maturation where the artist begins to explore the darker themes of existence, alongside works such as The Old Women and The Disasters of War , showing the evolution of his style towards emotional depth and increased realism .
Anecdote
“Inspiration is found in the streets, where the real mixes with the dream.” Francisco de Goya is said to have referred to his daily life in Madrid as a source of inspiration. The creation of The Drinker was nourished by scenes of popular life, at the turn of a sunny alley where faces cross, invited to celebrate the simple pleasures of existence.