Drunkard Lifting a Beer 1755 - 1771

"Drunkard Lifting a Beer" (1755-1771) is an etching by Philippe Jacques de Loutherbourg, a French-born artist known for his dramatic landscapes and theatrical sets. This etching, a part of a series depicting everyday life, captures a humorous moment, showcasing a man in a drunken stupor, raising a small glass of beer, while a larger tankard spills its contents on the ground. The artist's meticulous detail and expressive lines bring the scene to life, creating a captivating portrayal of human folly. This work, now housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, is a testament to Loutherbourg’s versatility and keen observation of human nature.