Cigar Store Figure 1935 - 1942

Here's a watercolor of a Cigar Store Figure by an anonymous artist. I imagine them carefully considering the planes and angles, the drapes and folds in the figure's clothes. I love thinking about the anonymous artists who’ve contributed so much to the visual culture. Like, who were they? What was their life like? How did they feel making this image? The figure looks so self-assured! And the color palette is so unexpected. Blue and brown. A study in contrasts. The artist has used washes of color to create depth and shadow. Look at the way the light catches on the folds of the figure’s dress. There's a real playfulness here. Each generation of artists builds on the work of those who came before, remixing and reimagining old forms in new ways. This image is a reminder that art is a conversation across time, inspiring endless possibilities for expression.