Cigar Store Figure c. 1938

"Cigar Store Figure" is a watercolor painting by American artist Louis Plogsted, created around 1938. The artwork depicts a life-size figure of a man in a traditional 19th-century outfit, likely a depiction of a store owner or customer from the time. The figure stands on a base with the word "Pickwick" inscribed on it, possibly referencing the popular novel "The Pickwick Papers" by Charles Dickens, known for its characters' love of cigars. Plogsted's work captures the whimsical charm of these early commercial figures, often placed outside businesses to attract customers. The artist's meticulous details and realistic portrayal contribute to the artwork's nostalgic appeal.