A Soldier Smoking a Pipe

Frans van Mieris (1635–1681) was one of the most celebrated Leiden fijnschilders ("fine painters"), whose elegant works are marked by smooth execution, invisible brushwork, and extraordinary attention to detail. His small paintings of convivial genres, portraits, and allegories delighted both local and international collectors with their lively, often ambiguous narratives. Gerrit Dou (1613–1675), with whom Van Mieris studied, described him as "the prince of all my pupils."Soldier Smoking a Pipe, which dates from about 1657/1658, encompasses all the qualities that earned Van Mieris his fame. The intimate scale of this extraordinarily well-preserved painting, its high degree of refinement (particularly in the soldier's aubergine costume and the gold fringe of the nearby cloak), and its engaging subject are all characteristics of his finest works. The soldier is most likely a member of the local militia company, judging by the trumpet, banner, and armor on the floor. By the late 1650s, militia companies had a largely ceremonial role and were often called on by their cities to parade during times of celebration. The soldier's knowing gaze, paired with the deck of cards, half a glass of beer, and empty chair, suggest the aftermath of such an event, and invite the viewer to imagine a humorous, if unexplained, storyline.This painting has the distinction of having been owned by Augustus the Strong (1670–1733), elector of Saxony and king of Poland. During the 18th century, paintings from his collection were given gilt frames with little doors by order of his son and successor, Augustus III (1696–1763). These frames could be opened with a graceful key, which enabled Augustus and his privileged guests to the study the paintings closely. Soldier Smoking a Pipe remains in this frame as a special reminder of its distinguished provenance.