Pijprokende boer op een houten bank 1679 - 1754

This undated print depicts a pipe-smoking farmer seated on a wooden bench, its author remaining anonymous. Consider the image's historical context. It offers us a glimpse into the lives of the working class and the cultural practice of tobacco smoking. The portrayal of the farmer is quite interesting, isn't it? We see him engaged in a moment of leisure, which complicates the common stereotypes of relentless labor associated with rural life. Does this representation challenge or reinforce social hierarchies? The act of smoking itself carries layers of meaning. Introduced to Europe during this period, tobacco was a commodity that transformed into a popular pastime. What does it mean for the farmer to partake in this activity, typically associated with the upper classes? The anonymity of the artist also raises questions about the production and circulation of images of everyday life. Does the lack of a known author change how we interpret the image, shifting the focus from individual expression to the documentation of a social type? The print invites us to reflect on the daily lives of ordinary people and the quiet moments of respite amidst the demands of work.