The artwork entitled “Femme avec cigarette” was created by artist Kees van Dongen in 1908. As an exemplar of the Fauvism art movement, the portrait genre piece reflects the characteristics of the style, which favored vibrant colors and expressive brushwork.
The artwork showcases the bold use of color and the simplified forms that are characteristic of Fauvism. The subject of the portrait is a woman with a striking presence, highlighted by a vibrant yellow hair color. Her face is rendered with a minimalistic approach, with the emphasis on the red tones her lips and cheeks, and the reddish outlines defining her nose and eyes. The eyes are rendered with a languorous expression, with thick, heavy lids and a direct but somewhat aloof gaze.
In her mouth, the woman holds a cigarette, adding a sultry and modern element to the composition. This was a typical feature of sophistication and allure in the early 20th century when smoking was viewed as a stylish habit rather than the health risk it is known as today. Adjacent to the subject, a large, lush flower with deep red and white petals is painted, complementing the rich color palette that dominates the portrait.
The background features dark tones that allow the brighter colors of the subject and flower to stand out. A signature or inscription by the artist is visible in the upper left-hand corner. Overall, the artwork conveys the essence of Fauvist aesthetics through its color juxtapositions, brushstrokes, and the expressive, non-naturalistic portrayal of the human figure.
