Fisherman Smoking A Cigarette 

Louay Kayyali painted this portrait of a fisherman in muted tones, capturing him in a moment of quiet contemplation with a cigarette. The cigarette, a modern symbol, bears the weight of both pleasure and mortality, a fleeting indulgence. Consider how the motif of smoke itself transcends time, echoing the smoke from ancient sacrificial fires, the steam from alchemical experiments, or the swirling mists in Romantic landscapes, all carrying connotations of transformation and the ephemeral nature of existence. The fisherman’s contemplative pose, a hand casually holding the cigarette, connects with the classical motif of melancholy, evident in countless portraits across centuries. It speaks to the human condition: a blend of weariness, longing, and silent introspection. This archetype taps into our collective memory, engaging us on a profound, subconscious level. The image of the fisherman, imbued with these layered symbols, is not static. It resurfaces, evolves, and takes on new meanings, echoing across time and culture.