Adriaen Brouwer

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"Peasants Playing Cards" by Adriaen Brouwer

"The Bitter Draught" by Adriaen Brouwer

Adriaen Brouwer (1605, Oudenaarde - January 1638, Anwerp) was a Flemish painter.

At a young age Brouwer, probably born as Adriaen de Brauwer, moved perhaps via Antwerp to Haarlem, where he became a student of Frans Hals alongside Adriaen van Ostade. He also was active in stage acting and poetry. He stayed in Haarlem and Amsterdam until 1631, when he moved back to Spanish-occupied Antwerp, where he became a member of the painter's guild in.

His works are typically detailed and small, often adopting themes of debauchery, drunkenness and foolishness. Brouwer himself spent much time in the alehouses of Flanders and Holland. His work was well-liked, to the point that forgeries were sold in his own time. Both Rubens and Rembrandt owned a number of his works. Nevertheless, Brouwer appeared in financial trouble throughout his life.

He died at the early age of 32 in Antwerp, where he was first buried in a common grave, but, upon instigation of the members of the guild, was reburied on Feb 1, 1638 in the church of the Carmelites.