The Smoker (A Man with a Pipe and a Man Pouring a Beverage into a Glass) 1690 - 1706

"The Smoker" (1690-1706) by Godfried Schalcken depicts a dimly lit scene of two men, one holding a lit candle and the other smoking a pipe. The painting is a quintessential example of Schalcken's mastery of chiaroscuro, a technique that uses strong contrasts between light and shadow to create dramatic and atmospheric effects. This particular work showcases the artist's ability to capture the play of light on the figures' faces and hands, emphasizing the intimacy of the moment. The painting, housed at the Rijksmuseum, is a captivating glimpse into the daily life of Dutch gentlemen in the late 17th century.