The artwork titled “Woman with a Cigarette” is an oil on canvas painting by the renowned artist Pablo Picasso, dating back to 1903. Embodying the Post-Impressionist movement, the piece measures 47.5 by 40.5 centimeters and is categorized as a genre painting. The original piece is housed at the Barnes Foundation in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States.
The artwork depicts a seated female figure holding a cigarette. Her gaze confronts the viewer with an enigmatic expression, characteristic of Picasso’s ability to capture the complexity of human emotion. The color palette, predominantly consisting of darker, muted tones, is reflective of the somber mood typical of Picasso’s Blue Period, to which the painting’s date of creation corresponds. Her clothing and hairstyle are rendered in simple but deliberate brushstrokes, allowing the viewer to grasp the textures and contours without intricate detail. The background is minimally detailed, focusing attention on the figure, with hints of the interior setting suggested by vague outlines and blocks of color. Overall, this piece is an exquisite example of Picasso’s early work, showcasing his unique stylistic approaches prior to his evolution into Cubism.
