Five Drunken Villagers and a Woman on a Sleigh 1680 - 1695

This lively drawing of drunken revelry was made with pen and brown ink, and washed with grey, by Cornelis Dusart in the late 17th century. Look closely and you’ll see how Dusart uses the fluidity of his materials to great effect. The brown ink, applied with a fine nib, defines the overall composition, giving shape to the figures and the sleigh. The grey wash adds depth and volume, subtly modeling the forms and creating a sense of movement and disorder. The hasty application and relative economy of this drawing suggests it was preparatory, not intended as a finished work in itself. Dusart was likely developing an idea, exploring how to best capture the boisterous energy of the drunken villagers. This casual, expressive approach contrasts with the highly polished, finished paintings of the period. It also resonates with the rowdy subject matter. By focusing on the process and inherent qualities of his humble materials, Dusart elevates the everyday, blurring the lines between high art and popular culture.