Die Zigarette

Die Zigarette (The Cigarette) by Isaac Israëls from 1900 belongs to his extended series depicting modern Parisian and Amsterdam women in moments of casual urban activity. The cigarette — a symbol of female emancipation and modern urban bohemia at the turn of the century — marks the subject as a specifically contemporary type rather than a timeless figure. Israëls was consistently drawn to the social performances and habits of modern women in public and semi-public spaces, and this painting participates in the wider avant-garde interest in modernity as subject matter. The Centraal Museum in Utrecht holds this example.

Israëls renders the woman with cigarette using his characteristic rapid, suggestive touch. The paint builds the figure with summary strokes that capture the essential impression rather than detailed description. His handling of the smoke and the way it softens the surrounding air shows sensitivity to atmospheric effect within an otherwise direct, unidealizing approach to the subject.