# Merry Toper [View the canonical artwork record]() ## Artwork - Artist: [MATHAM, Theodor]() - Date: 1601-1650 - Technique: Engraving, 216 x 170 mm ## Commentary 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. ## Related artworks - [Man with Roemer and Pipe]() - [Vanitas]() ## Attribution [Web Gallery of Art]()