1901 Femme Е la cigarette Pablo Picasso (1881-1973) Period of creation: 1889-1907

The composition presents a seated woman, rendered in a style characterized by simplified forms and a restricted palette. She is positioned centrally within the frame, her gaze directed towards the viewer with a directness that establishes a palpable connection. The figures posture suggests a degree of introspection or perhaps even defiance; her arms are crossed, holding a lit cigarette between her fingers.
The artist employed broad brushstrokes and blocks of color to define the subject’s features and clothing. A deep blue dominates the upper portion of her garment, contrasting with the lighter tones of her blouse and the reddish-orange hue of the chair she occupies. The hair is styled in an elaborate updo, a detail that introduces a note of formality or perhaps a deliberate attempt at sophistication.
The background is rendered as an abstract arrangement of blues and greens, suggesting an interior space without offering specific details. This lack of contextual clarity draws attention to the figure herself, isolating her within the pictorial plane. The limited depth of field contributes to a sense of flatness, characteristic of early modern artistic approaches.
Subtleties in the portrayal hint at underlying themes beyond a simple portrait. The cigarette, a relatively new and controversial symbol at the turn of the century, introduces an element of modernity and potentially rebellion against societal norms. It suggests a woman who is independent and perhaps challenging conventional expectations. Her expression, while not overtly emotional, conveys a certain stoicism or guardedness, implying a complexity beneath the surface. The direct gaze further reinforces this sense of self-possession and challenges any easy interpretation of her character.
The overall effect is one of restrained intensity; the artist has created an image that invites contemplation about identity, social roles, and the changing landscape of early twentieth-century life.