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Cheers to International Beer Day! 🍻 It’s a celebration of friendship, culture, and the joy of beer! Let’s raise a glass to brewers worldwide! 🌍✨ #InternationalBeerDay #Cheers #BeerLovers https://wp.me/p3JLEZ-9nb

International Beer Day is a celebration on the first Friday of every August founded in 2007 in Santa Cruz, California by Jesse Avshalomov. Since its inception, International Beer Day has grown from a small localized event in the western United States into a worldwide celebration spanning 207 cities, 80 countries and 6 continents. Specifically, International Beer Day has three declared purposes:

1. To gather with friends and enjoy the taste of beer.
2. To celebrate those responsible for brewing and serving beer.
3. To unite the world under the banner of beer, by celebrating the beers of all nations together on a single day.

Celebration

Participants are encouraged to give one another the ‘gift of beer’ by buying each other drinks, and to express gratitude to brewers, bartenders, and other beer technicians. In the international spirit of the holiday, it is also suggested that participants step out of their domestic/locally brewed comfort zone and sample a beer from another culture.

Popularity

Popular forms of International Beer Day Events include: Tapping of new or rare beers, all-day happy hours, beer flights, trivia nights, binge drinking and other games (such as beer pong), beer/food pairings and beer gear giveaways.

Date change

From 2007 through 2012, International Beer Day was celebrated on August 5. After International Beer Day 2012, the founders took a poll of fans and chose to move the holiday to the first Friday in August.

Beer in Art: A Historical Perspective

Sumeria and Egypt

Beer has a rich history that dates back to ancient civilizations, notably in Sumeria, where early accounts of beer brewing were documented in commercial records and accounting ledgers, highlighting its significance in trade and daily life. In Egypt, beer also played a crucial role, with depictions of brewing processes found in papyri and on the walls of tombs. One notable example is the diorama from the tomb of Meketre, the first minister to Pharaoh Mentuhotep II (2050-200 BC), which vividly illustrates the brewing techniques of the time and underscores the cultural importance of beer in ancient Egyptian society.

Netherlands

Willem Claeszoon Heda and the Haarlem School

Willem Claeszoon Heda, a prominent artist of the Haarlem School in the Netherlands, is widely celebrated for his exquisite still life compositions, where the inclusion of beer serves both aesthetic and cultural purposes. Heda’s meticulous attention to detail brings objects to life, and beer, often represented in fine glassware, becomes a symbol of social gatherings and the pleasures of daily life. These works not only showcase the artist’s technical proficiency but also reflect the burgeoning beer culture of 17th-century Dutch society. The presence of beer in these still lifes invites viewers to contemplate the themes of abundance, indulgence, and the transient nature of life, evoking a rich narrative that goes beyond mere representation.

England

Humour and Satirical Commentary

William Hogarth’s engravings, particularly “Beer Street and Gin Lane” (1751), provide a striking social commentary through satirical humor. During a time when gin consumption was rampant in England, Hogarth juxtaposes the peaceful, industrious life of beer drinkers in “Beer Street” with the chaotic, destructive nature of gin drinkers depicted in “Gin Lane.” This stark contrast serves as a critique of indulgence and the effects of excessive drinking on society. Hogarth’s engravings emerged as part of a governmental effort to curb gin consumption, a response to widespread public drunkenness that plagued the nation, by elevating beer as a more wholesome alternative. Hogarth used his art to reflect on societal issues. His works poignantly capture the harsh realities of alcohol consumption, illustrating the impact of drink on individuals and communities, and inviting the audience to engage in a dialogue about morality, excess, and the role of alcohol in society.

Other British artist is Thomas P. Hall, with his work “While I Cook Away” (1868), which depicts a humorous moment with overflowing beer. Also, Thomas Benjamin Kennington, in “Rare Old Stingo” (1800) shows an scene of men admiring a pint of Northern English beer.

Germany

Germans have a rich artistic traditions that depict beer not only as a beverage but also as a symbol of social interaction, influence, and culture.

Otto von Bismarck and Ernst Henseler

Beer held a prominent role in the social and political landscape, exemplified by Chancellor Otto von Bismarck. Known for organizing “beer nights,” Bismarck invited influential figures, including his adversaries, to partake in the camaraderie of beer-drinking gatherings. This social strategy was employed to foster relationships and exert influence over opponents, ensuring that those he invited felt a sense of joy during these occasions.

The artist Ernst Henseler immortalized one of these beer evenings at the Charlottenburg Palace in 1894. Henseler’s depiction captures the essence of conviviality associated with beer culture, illustrating how these gatherings served as more than just social events; they were strategic moments of political maneuvering and sociability.

France

Édouard Manet and the Parisian Bar Scene

Édouard Manet played a pivotal role in portraying the Parisian bar scene in what he referred to as “sincere works.” His approach captured the vibrancy of social interactions, where beer often took center stage. In his painting “At the Café,” a waitress is depicted drinking from a beer mug.

Another notable work, “Le Bon Bock” (1873), showcases the engraver Émile Bellot with his beer, marking Manet’s first commercial success. Interestingly, it is said that Bellot posed for Manet around 70 times and was left unsatisfied with every portrayal, reflecting the complexities of artistic representation and personal expectation.

The Artistic Nexus of “Els Quatre Gats”

By the turn of the 20th century, the brewery “Els Quatre Gats” (The Four Cats) became an epicenter of avant-garde creativity in France. This venue was not only a brewery but also a hub for exhibitions, debates, and literary gatherings, providing a vibrant backdrop for the creative exchanges of the time. It was in this lively atmosphere that Pablo Picasso held his first solo exhibition. During his blue period, he created a portrait of his friend, the Spanish poet Jaime Sabartés, further intertwining the themes of friendship, art, and beer culture.

Toulouse-Lautrec

Other French artists also portrayed beer in their works, often highlighting its role in social commentary. For instance, Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec’s post-impressionist works frequently featured scenes in bars and cabarets, capturing the essence of nightlife and highlighting the fluid relationship between alcohol consumption and the artistic spirit.

Beer through the lens of art

In summary, beer art serves as a multifaceted symbol, reflecting camaraderie, social dynamics, and cultural exchanges. Through the eyes of influential artists, beer transcends its role as mere beverage, becoming a representation of community, politics, and the artistic exploration of everyday life.

References:

• Rhodes, Christine P.; Lappies, Pamela B., eds. (1997). The Encyclopedia of Beer (paperback reprint ed.). New York, NY: Henry Holt & Co.
• Webb, Tim; Beaumont, Stephen (2012). The World Atlas of Beer: The essential guide to the beers of the world (hardcover ed.). New York, NY: Sterling Epicure.

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