Portrait of a Woman with a Fan and Ciga Franciszek Zmurko

The composition presents a seated woman in a three-quarter pose, her gaze directed slightly upwards and away from the viewer. She is positioned against a blurred background of warm ochre tones, which contributes to a sense of isolation and introspection. The figures posture suggests a moment of quiet contemplation or perhaps melancholy.
Her attire consists of a dark jacket over a light-colored blouse, the neckline revealing a hint of décolletage. A decorative fan is held loosely in her left hand, while a lit cigarette rests between her fingers on her right. These objects are not merely accessories; they function as symbolic elements within the scene. The fan, traditionally associated with flirtation and social grace, appears here to be handled with a certain detachment, suggesting a weariness or disinterest in conventional displays of femininity. Similarly, the presence of the cigarette introduces an element of modernity and perhaps rebellion against societal norms – a subtle indication of independence.
The artist’s brushwork is loose and expressive, particularly evident in the rendering of the background and the womans hair. The application of paint appears rapid and gestural, creating a sense of immediacy and capturing fleeting moments of light and shadow. This technique lends an air of informality to the portrait, contrasting with more rigid or formal approaches to depicting women during this period.
The lighting is soft and diffused, illuminating the woman’s face and highlighting her features – a slightly downturned mouth and a gaze that seems both distant and vulnerable. The overall color palette is dominated by muted earth tones, which contribute to the paintings somber mood. There is an intentional lack of sharp detail, allowing for a focus on atmosphere and emotional expression rather than precise representation.
The subtexts within this work hint at themes of female identity, societal expectations, and the complexities of modern life. The woman’s detached demeanor and unconventional accessories suggest a questioning of traditional roles and a desire for personal freedom – a sentiment that resonated with changing social dynamics during the late nineteenth century.