Adriaen van OstadeDutch, 1610–1684The Smoker
Can I see it?
Not on view at present
Where is “The Smoker” now? Collection: Minneapolis Institute of Art, Minneapolis. Not on view at present. Checked September 29, 2026.
Minneapolis, United States
It belongs to the collection, but is not on display at present.
- Checked
- In this state since
- Source
- The museum
About the work
“The smell of the Dutch Republic is the smell of tobacco, ” said art historian Simon Schama. When this print was made, smoking was largely demonized, a vice deposited on Dutch shores by seamen. Rather than moralizing, Adriaen van Ostade etched a figure simply absorbed in the pleasure of his clay pipe and bowl, which holds an ember to light the tobacco.
Minneapolis Institute of Art
Details
- Accession number
- 2015.93.154
In the catalog
Sources
- Minneapolis Institute of Art
- Image: Minneapolis Institute of Art — public domain
In the life of Adriaen van Ostade
The whole life1634–1684 · Workplace
Haarlem
1638
First marriage
Ostade married in 1638.
c. 1638 – 1640
Stylistic turning point under Rembrandt's influence
Around 1638 or 1640 the influence of Rembrandt abruptly changed Ostade's style: he painted "The Annunciation to the Shepherds" (Herzog Anton Ulrich Museum, Brunswick), with the principal groups dramatically lit by rays breaking through a gloomy sky.
1640
Death of his first wife
The artist's wife died in 1640, after which Adriaen married a second time.
