The Toper

Artist Alexis Grimou (Swiss, 1678–1733)

Date18th century

Mediumoil on canvas

Dimensionscanvas: 101.9 x 81.3 cm (40 1/8 x 32 in.)

ClassificationsPaintings

Credit LineMuseum purchase

Terms

painting

Object number1921.185

Label TextGrimou was born in Argenteuil but spent most of his life in Paris. His artistic training was derived mainly from copying works of Rembrandt and Van Dyck. Greatly influence by the warm tonality and chiaroscuro effects of Dutch painting, Grimou was often referred to by fellow artists as "the French Rembrandt". This work, one of several variants of men drinking, may be a self-portrait. It suggests that in addition to Rembrandt, Grimou was also influenced by Haarlem artists such as Frans Hals and Judith Leyster, who popularized the theme of "Merry Drinker". Still, the casual elegance of Grimou's gesture, like the thin, fluid brushwork, is decidedly eighteenth-century French.ProvenancePercy Moore Turner, London England

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