The Drinkers (1890)

"The Drinkers" by Vincent van Gogh is a striking painting that captures a moment of social interaction centered around drinking. Painted in 1890, this work reflects Van Gogh's interest in the lives of ordinary people and his unique approach to color and form.In this vivid scene, four figures are depicted engaging in the act of drinking. Each character is distinct both in their posture and in their attire, suggesting a narrative or social commentary about different walks of life or states of being. On the left, a man leans forward to drink directly from a large mug, his face showing a grim expression under the brim of his top hat. He is dressed in what appears to be a coarse, green jacket, indicative of a working-class individual.Next to him, another man in a similar top hat but with a more vibrant blue shirt is drinking from a glass, his action more restrained compared to the first. His posture and clothing suggest a slightly different social standing or perhaps a different personal disposition.On the right, a third figure with striking red hair drinks from a smaller cup, his face tilted upwards, eyes unseen, giving a sense of surrender or deep absorption in the act of drinking. His blue shirt and relaxed posture contribute to a depiction that feels both casual and intense.Most intriguingly, in the foreground, a smaller figure, possibly a child, reaches out to grab the jug on the table.