Cigar Making in Seville 1899

Ricardo Canals y Llambí painted "Cigar Making in Seville," using oil on canvas, capturing a scene of labor and life. Seville, known for its cigar factories that predominantly employed women, provides the backdrop for this glimpse into the lives of working-class women. The painting presents an intimate look into a space where labor and personal life intersect. The women, seated closely together, are engrossed in their work, yet there are nuances suggesting a sense of community. Notice the woman with a child, perhaps reflecting the challenges of balancing work and motherhood. Canals’ work exists within the context of Spanish Realism, but it also hints at the burgeoning social consciousness that would mark the turn of the century. It reflects the identities and experiences of women who, despite their economic roles, often remained unseen in broader social narratives. It invites us to reflect on the labor, resilience, and communal bonds of these women.