Two Laughing Boys with a Mug of Beer

"Two Laughing Boys with a Mug of Beer" is a vibrant painting by Frans Hals that features a "Kannekijker"—a person peering into a mug, symbolizing indulgence or longing for more. This artwork is believed to be part of a series representing the five senses. Possible other paintings in this series include "Two Boys Singing" (likely representing hearing) and a version of "The Smoker" (likely representing smell).

In "Two Laughing Boys with a Mug of Beer" Hals includes a secondary character who peers over the main subject's shoulder, a recurring motif in his paintings from the 1620s. This theme of gazing into a mug also appears in Hals' portrait of Peeckelhaeringh, where the subject turns to the viewer with his drink.

The painting was once part of the collection at the Hofje van Mevrouw van Aerden. It was stolen in April 2011 but was fortunately recovered in October of the same year.