Drinkers (1884)

Dated 1884, "Drinkers" is an artwork by Émile Friant. The catalogue places it in Figurative. The format is square. Figurative, a short history: Over the centuries, painters have used the figure to express social standing, narrative, and emotion. Figurative art depicts people and recognisable scenes, and it has been central to European painting since antiquity. About the period around 1884: Japanese prints reached Europe in large numbers and influenced many artists, while photography changed what painting needed to do. In the 1890s, colour lithography and Art Nouveau made the illustrated poster a celebrated art form.

"Drinkers" is offered as a printable file (Digital JPEG + PDF files, 300 DPI) rather than a shipped item. You receive the files by email after payment and handle printing yourself, which gives you full control over paper, size, and finish. A square format is flexible and works well on its own or as part of a grid on a gallery wall. Figurative works draw attention to the human presence, the gesture, and the emotional tone, so they work particularly well as a standalone focal point in living rooms, studies, and bedrooms. Measuring the wall before choosing a size is the simplest way to avoid a print that feels too small or too large. Hang the print away from direct sunlight, which over the years can fade any printed colour. Choosing a standard frame size and printing to fit it often saves the cost of custom framing. Matte and fine-art papers reduce glare in bright rooms, while glossy papers give stronger contrast and deeper blacks.

French, 1863–1932

If you like the visual language of Émile Friant, explore more works by the same artist in our collection.