The Smoker (1630 – 1638) by Adriaen Brouwer

The Smoker - Adriaen Brouwer - 1630 - 1638

Artwork Information

TitleThe Smoker
ArtistAdriaen Brouwer
Date1630 - 1638
Mediumoil,panel
Dimensions30.5 x 21.5 cm
Art MovementBaroque
Current LocationRijksmuseum, Amsterdam, Netherlands

About The Smoker

The artwork titled “The Smoker” was created by artist Adriaen Brouwer between 1630 and 1638. It is an oil painting on panel that follows the Baroque art movement and is categorized as a genre painting. The piece measures 30.5 by 21.5 centimeters and is part of the collection at the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam, Netherlands.

“The Smoker” vividly captures the essence of everyday life during the Baroque period, emphasizing the naturalistic and often unidealized moments of ordinary individuals. The central figure is a man depicted with a strong sense of character, seated, and engaging in the act of smoking. He holds his pipe aloft with a look of contentment on his face, the smoke curling up into the dimly lit room. The man’s clothing is simple and unembellished, suggesting he may be a person of modest means.

In the background, a secondary figure is observable, lending depth to the scene and further invoking the ambiance of a commonplace environment of the time. The use of lighting is characteristically Baroque, with chiaroscuro techniques enhancing the three-dimensionality of the figures and highlighting the textural details of their attire and surroundings. The artwork communicates a mood of casual repose amidst the rough-and-tumble of daily life, a common theme reflected in genre paintings of the era, offering a glimpse into the social customs and leisure activities of the period.

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