Rokende jongeman 1863

'Rokende jongeman' or 'Smoking Young Man' was made by Felicien Rops sometime in the late 19th century. Rops was a Belgian artist known for his symbolist and decadent prints, reflecting the cultural anxieties of his time. In this etching, we see a young man smoking, a common symbol of the era's fascination with modernity, leisure, and perhaps, a touch of rebellion. The figure exudes a casual confidence, with his hand in his pocket and a nonchalant gaze. During Rops' time, smoking was heavily gendered and classed, often associated with male sociability and bourgeois culture. However, it was also viewed critically by the temperance movement who thought it represented moral decay. Rops's work often challenged the traditional values of the time, exploring themes of sexuality, morality, and the changing role of women in society. This image captures a fleeting moment, inviting us to reflect on the complexities of identity, class, and pleasure during a period of significant social and cultural transformation.