The Tobacco Smoker 1817

"The Tobacco Smoker" is an etching by Johann Christoph Erhard, created in 1817. The artwork depicts a man leaning against a stone wall, smoking a pipe. The man's facial expression is contemplative and his posture suggests fatigue. The etching is a fine example of Erhard's detailed and realistic style, known for its use of light and shadow to create depth and volume. The artwork offers a glimpse into the everyday life of ordinary people in the early 19th century, highlighting the prevalence of tobacco use and the hardships faced by the working class.