Zittende pijproker 1777 - 1779

This is a drawing of a seated pipe smoker, made by Pieter de Mare in the late 18th century. During this time, the Netherlands was a society undergoing significant political and social changes, influenced by Enlightenment ideals and the rise of a merchant class. De Mare's choice of subject matter reflects the everyday life of ordinary people, capturing a moment of quiet contemplation. The act of smoking a pipe was often associated with leisure and social gatherings, but also with the working class. What does it mean to see this man, frozen in time, caught in a state of personal reflection? The way in which De Mare has captured the man, seated alone, offers an intimate view into a world that is both familiar and distant. The sketch allows us to think about the intersection of labor, leisure, and identity during a period of significant social transition. This drawing invites us to consider the stories of those whose lives often go unrecorded, and to find meaning in the ordinary moments of human experience.