The Smoker, Adriaen Brouwer (attributed to), c. 1635 - c. 1640

The Smoker, Adriaen Brouwer (attributed to), c. 1635 - c. 1640

oil on panel, h 29.7cm × w 21.5cm Catalogue entry

Slouching in his chair, with his breeches open, the man blows smoke from his pipe through his nose. His eyes are glazed, as though he is in a stupor. In the 17th century smoking had fervent supporters as well as opponents. Some scholars held that tobacco smoke was therapeutic for both body and spirit; others were convinced that pipe-smoking was as harmful as excessive drinking.

On display in room 2.13

Catalogue entry