Peasant Lighting his Pipe 1787

"Peasant Lighting his Pipe" (1787), by Jan Ekels the Younger, is a genre painting depicting a young man seated in a dimly lit room, reading a letter. The painting, currently housed at the Städel Museum, offers a glimpse into the everyday lives of common people during the 18th century. Ekels, known for his detailed depictions of daily activities, captures the man's focused expression as he absorbs the contents of the letter. The use of soft light and muted colors contributes to the intimate and contemplative mood of the scene.