Rokende boer met pijp 1777 - 1779

Pieter de Mare made this etching, "Smoking Farmer with Pipe," sometime in the late 18th century. The image shows a man in a hat sitting on a simple chair, pipe in hand. This work offers a glimpse into Dutch society and its artistic conventions during that period. The depiction of a commoner engaged in a simple pleasure reflects a broader interest in everyday life that emerged in Dutch art of the time. The etching technique itself, with its fine lines and delicate shading, speaks to the printmaking practices and the growing market for affordable art. De Mare's image invites us to consider the social and economic context that shaped artistic production. We can research how the Dutch economy was reliant on the working class. We might explore the popularity of tobacco and its association with leisure and relaxation. By understanding the social and institutional context, we can gain a deeper appreciation for the cultural meanings embedded in this seemingly simple image.