The Jolly Toper

The Jolly Toper: A Masterpiece by Judith Leyster

*The Jolly Toper*, painted in 1629 by Judith Leyster, is a captivating oil painting held at the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam. Since 1959, it has been on long-term loan to the Frans Hals Museum in Haarlem.

For many years, the painting was erroneously attributed to Frans Hals. It wasn't until 1927 that researcher Juliane Harms correctly identified it as a work by Leyster. The Rijksmuseum acquired the painting in 1897 from F. Kleinberger of Paris, after it was sold at the Hôtel Drouot in Paris in 1890. At that time, it was believed to be the work of Hals or possibly his son.

The painting depicts the lively character Peeckelhaeringh, a popular figure in 17th-century comic plays. Known as a "Kannenkijker" or jug-looker, Peeckelhaeringh often marked the end of a show when his mug was empty. The character in *The Jolly Toper* bears resemblance to another of Leyster's creations, though this particular piece is rendered with greater refinement.

Leyster's signature and the date can be found on the back wall above the tankard, lending an authentic touch to this delightful scene.