Drinkende monniken 1655 - 1700

"Drinkende monniken" (Drinking Monks), created between 1655-1700 by Jan van Somer, depicts two monks engaged in a jovial drinking session. The image is a satirical commentary on the hypocrisy of monks who indulge in worldly pleasures despite their vows of abstinence. The dark, shadowy background highlights the intimate nature of their transgression, while the expressive faces and gestures of the monks add to the humorous, yet critical, tone of the artwork. The monk on the left, with a rosary and cross visible around his waist, represents the facade of piety, while the monk on the right embodies the reality of indulgence. This etching, likely intended for a private collection, invites viewers to reflect on the contradictions inherent in religious devotion and human frailty.