Cigars in Art – La Madeleine by Ramon Casas I Carbo
Author: Marty Klausmeier | Filed under: Cigars in Art
La Madeleine by Ramon Casas I Carbo circa 1892
Often referred to incorrectly as “Chica in a Bar,” this oil on canvas work by Spanish artist Ramon Casas I Carbo was completed in 1892 and is actually entitled “La Madeleine.”
One of my favorite works, I think this painting provides a powerful allegory for the plight cigar smokers today. Notice the distant gaze, the single drink, the cigar in one hand and the nervous play of the other. This is not a painting of a woman who is part of the mainstream, she is an unwilling outsider. Reflected in the background one finds a company of revelers, yet the subject of the painting remains isolated, looking longingly for someone to join her in a drink and a cigar.
Born in Barcelona, Spain in 1866, Ramon Casas I Carbo was a early member of the late 19th and early 20th century art movement known as “Modernisme.” Well known for his portrait and crowd paintings, Casas I Carbo also painted posters and postcards as well as advertisements.
Ramon Casas I Carbo - Self Portrait
Judging from the perfecto he’s enjoying in this self-portrait, I think it would be safe to say that Ramon Casas I Carbo was also a fellow Brother of the Leaf…
To learn more about Ramon Casas I Carbo, his life and works I recommend “Underpaintings: Random Inspiration – Ramon Casas I Carbo,” by Matthew D. Innis.
Good smoking everyone!
Marty Klausmeier
Managing Editor, CigarCaptain.com
Tags: Chica in a Bar, cigar art, Cigars in Art, La Madeleine, Ramon Casas I Carbo
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