Cigarette 

Alice Pike Barney, a Washington D.C. artist, made this intriguing pastel portrait, Cigarette. Born into a wealthy family, Alice Barney became a cultural figure who embraced the bohemian lifestyle, challenging the restrictive social norms of her time. She pursued interests in the arts, literature, and theater which placed her within a progressive movement that questioned traditional gender roles. Here we see a women confidently holding a cigarette; at the turn of the century, smoking was viewed as a transgressive act for women, it was associated with male dominated spaces, and it was a symbol of independence. Barney was not alone in this pursuit, many women adopted the habit to challenge social expectations. This artwork is an expression of identity, reflecting both Barney’s personal choices and the broader cultural shifts taking place. The woman looks directly at us, there is an unspoken connection, a quiet rebellion. The pastel rendering imbues the artwork with a softness that challenges the stereotype.