Dronken boer in herberg 1775

Bernhard Schreuder sketched "Dronken boer in herberg" – or “Drunk farmer in a tavern” – with pen in the late 1700s. During this period, the tavern was the place where class distinctions blurred, and the rigid social hierarchies of 18th-century Europe temporarily dissolved in shared drink and camaraderie. The central figure, clearly inebriated, sits apart from his companions, suggesting a moment of isolation amidst revelry. Schreuder captures the vulnerability of this character. His slumped posture speaks volumes about the transient nature of escape offered by alcohol. Are we observing a commentary on the human condition or a critical view of rural life? The sketch invites us to reflect on how society grapples with solace and excess. This image reminds us that, across time, people have sought ways to navigate the complexities and burdens of their lives.