A Soldier Smoking a Pipe by Frans van Mieris the Elder. A 17th-century soldier sits at a table in a dimly lit room, smoking a long clay pipe while looking toward the viewer.

A Soldier Smoking a Pipe

Frans van Mieris the Elder

1657 · Oil Paint, Panel

A masterfully detailed Dutch Golden Age painting of a soldier in a contemplative moment of leisure.

$129

For the selected configuration

From $129

1 frame size

Frame size
Frame color
Mount
Paper type
Glaze

Made to order in ~2 business days · Free U.S. standard shipping (typically 5–8 business days after dispatch)

Where it works

A substantial, grounding work with cooler, clearer color — brings a composed sense of weight.

Often works in
Library · Study · Living Room
Placement
Works well in taller wall spaces with room around it
Walls
Benefits from light or mid-tone surroundings
Color notes
Charcoal black, Soft gray

About the piece

This 1657 oil painting by Frans van Mieris the Elder exemplifies the 'fijnschilder' style through its meticulous attention to texture and light. A soldier, surrounded by the remnants of leisure and war—playing cards, a glass of beer, and his armor—is captured in a moment of quiet repose, his face illuminated by a soft, directional light.

More like this