Zittende rokende man 1811 - 1873

Pieter van Loon made this wash drawing of a seated, smoking man in the Netherlands sometime in the first half of the 19th century. It is a study of character, but also an insight into the leisure activities of the period. We can see that the man depicted here is smoking a pipe, a popular pastime at the time, particularly among the working classes. His simple attire suggests someone of modest means, enjoying a quiet moment of contemplation. The drawing's focus on everyday life reflects a broader trend in 19th-century art, where artists increasingly turned their attention to the lives of ordinary people, rather than grand historical or mythological subjects. The Rijksmuseum, where this drawing is housed, began collecting such works to represent the diversity of Dutch life and culture. To fully understand this drawing, one could delve into the social history of smoking in the Netherlands, as well as consult the museum's records to understand how this drawing came into its collection. By exploring these avenues, we can better appreciate the work as a reflection of its time.