Zittende roker

This print, "Zittende roker," or "Seated Smoker," was created by Johannes de Groot the second, an artist working in the Netherlands during the 18th century. During this era, the Dutch Republic was a major hub for global trade and cultural exchange. De Groot's piece offers a glimpse into the daily life and social habits of the time, specifically the culture around tobacco use. Smoking wasn't merely a personal habit, it was deeply embedded in social rituals and class distinctions. The act of smoking itself was often associated with leisure and contemplation, yet, we also know that tobacco and the act of smoking are deeply bound to histories of colonialism and exploitation. Consider the emotional ambivalence that sits within this small, dark print; while the smoker seems lost in thought, a feeling of melancholy pervades, perhaps hinting at the darker realities behind this everyday ritual.