MATHAM, Theodor
(b. ca. 1605, Haarlem, d. 1676, Amsterdam)

Merry Toper

1629-30
Engraving, 216 x 170 mm
Graphische Sammlung Albertina, Vienna

This engraving was made after an unnamed artist, possibly Gerrit van Honthorst. (Matham engraved similar images by Honthorst in 1626-27.) The inscription compares actual rubies to "delicious drops," which reminds mankind of life's brevity. The "ruby" is a drop of red wine spilled onto the drinker's thumbnail.