Unlike Adriaen Brouwer whose tavern scenes are characterized by sprawling carousals and brawls, Teniers preferred an overall peaceful atmosphere. This corresponds well to the fine painting of the objects to the right in the foreground, which turns this rustic still-life into a tour de force: The soft glow of the white glazed pots form an attractive contrast to the dull material of the burnt clay dish. All the same, the smoker with the red cap standing with his back to the fireplace suggests a few parallels to Brouwer, who often made use of this motif.