This design takes gross liberties with one of my favorite paintings, A Soldier Smoking a Pipe, by Frans van Mieris the Elder. This actually has quite a lot of connections to the world of cannabis and pot, so I used the famous classic artwork, cropped it down and painted in some additional accoutrements, and ended up with a cool vintage vibe with a modern twist.

So what's the backstory?

"A Soldier Smoking a Pipe" is by van Mieris the Elder, a Dutch artist who lived in the 17th century, depicts a soldier sitting in a dimly lit room, smoking a long pipe. My modifications aside, the painting is interesting for a number of reasons, including its technical execution, its social commentary, and its historical significance.

One of the most striking aspects of the painting is its technical mastery. Van Mieris was known for his attention to detail and his ability to create intricate, lifelike scenes. Here he uses a variety of techniques to create a sense of depth and texture, from the soldier's crumpled clothing to the smoke rising from his pipe. Probably my favorite aspect is the way the light in the painting is so expertly handled, with the dimly lit room creating a sense of mystery and atmosphere. It allowed me to have fun with the smoke plumes.

Another interesting aspect of the painting is its social commentary. At the time of painting, smoking was a common pastime among soldiers and civilians alike. However, it was also associated with vice and decadence, particularly among the upper classes. By depicting a soldier smoking a pipe, van Mieris is making a subtle commentary on the social norms of the time, suggesting that even those in the military were not immune to the lure of tobacco. The similarities are noticeable to the early days of cannabis use in the US. It just made sense to marry the two drugs in this artwork.

Finally, the historical significance of the painting is also noteworthy. The 17th century was a time of great upheaval in Europe, with wars and political unrest plaguing many countries. The soldier in the painting may have been a veteran of one of these conflicts, and his tired, contemplative expression suggests a weariness that comes from experience. By capturing this moment in time, van Mieris is providing a window into the world of a soldier in the 17th century, and reminding us of the sacrifices that have been made in the pursuit of freedom and justice. He damn well deserves his chance for a little rest and recreation!

 Here are some examples of this design from my Redbubble store (click on any to visit the store):