Smoking Peasant, Seated, Facing Right, on an Upturned Half Barrel c. 1637 - 1650

This charcoal drawing by Dutch artist Hendrik Potuyl, titled “Smoking Peasant, Seated, Facing Right, on an Upturned Half Barrel,” from c. 1637-1650, depicts a peasant man seated and smoking a pipe. This is a detailed study in black and white, showcasing the artist’s skill at rendering light and shadow. The drawing is characterized by its intimate scale and naturalistic detail. Potuyl's drawing provides a glimpse into the everyday life of ordinary people during this period, revealing the simple pleasures and routines of a peasant's existence.