Man steekt zijn pijp op 1734 - 1785

"Man steekt zijn pijp op" (Man Lights his Pipe) is a 1734-1785 etching by Dutch artist Jan Stolker (1724-1785) depicting a man in a dimly lit room lighting his pipe. The artwork, currently in the Rijksmuseum, showcases the use of chiaroscuro, a technique emphasizing the interplay of light and shadow, highlighting the subject and creating a sense of intimacy. This intimate scene, typical of Dutch Golden Age genre paintings, captures a moment of quiet contemplation, inviting viewers to reflect on the daily life of ordinary people.