Man met pijp en hoge muts 1739 - 1804

Johann Andreas Benjamin Nothnagel created this etching, "Man met pijp en hoge muts," likely in the late 18th century, a period marked by significant shifts in social structures and enlightenment ideals. Here, Nothnagel presents a man, distinguished by his tall hat and pipe, as a figure of contemplation. The act of smoking, deeply embedded in the social rituals of the time, becomes a focal point for examining identity and class. The detailed lines of the etching capture not just the man's physical appearance but also hint at his inner world, inviting us to consider the intersection of personal habit and social identity. What does it mean to portray such a figure during an era of evolving social norms? The choice to depict a man engaged in such a leisurely pursuit encourages us to reflect on the varying experiences and expressions of identity during this time.