E14 Woman with Cigar Beryl Cook

The composition presents a seated figure dominating the visual field. The woman is depicted in profile, her face turned towards the viewer with a pronounced and somewhat exaggerated nose. She holds a lit cigar between her fingers, exhaling smoke that seems to curl upwards, obscuring part of her face. Her expression appears contemplative, perhaps even slightly defiant.
The artist has rendered her attire with meticulous detail: a floral-patterned skirt paired with white stockings and dark shoes. The fabric’s texture is suggested through careful brushwork, adding depth and realism to the depiction. Behind her, partially visible, stands a man in a dark suit, his face obscured by shadow and age. He appears to be observing her, creating an atmosphere of quiet intimacy or perhaps subtle tension.
The setting seems to be a room with bookshelves lining the wall, suggesting intellectual pursuits or a cultivated environment. The patterned rug beneath the woman’s chair introduces another layer of visual complexity, its geometric design contrasting with the organic forms of the figures and floral patterns in her skirt.
Subtleties within the painting suggest a commentary on societal norms and gender roles. The presence of the cigar, traditionally associated with masculinity, challenges conventional expectations for women during the period this work likely originates from. Her posture and gaze convey an air of self-possession and independence that deviates from stereotypical portrayals of femininity.
The obscured face of the man behind her hints at a power dynamic or perhaps a complex relationship between the two figures. The overall effect is one of understated rebellion, portraying a woman who embraces unconventional behaviors and defies easy categorization. The artist’s choice to emphasize certain features – the nose, the cigar, the patterned fabrics – contributes to a sense of deliberate characterization and invites viewers to consider the narrative unfolding within this intimate scene.