Merry Company is a 1622 oil on canvas painting by the Dutch artist Gerard van Honthorst.

The merry company, showing a group of drinkers, was a common subject-type in Dutch Golden Age painting.

[1] In October the same year Van Honthorst married the tavern owner's daughter, his distant cousin Sophia Coopman, who may also have been at the welcome party.

Whilst the artist does not seem to be warning of the consequences of wine, women and immoral behaviour, the flickering candle held by an old woman symbolises love, vanity and the transitory nature of beauty.

The old woman herself contrasts with the three beautiful young women, making the work's main theme the passing of life.