Smoker with a cigarette-holder (1915-1916)

Dive into the complexity and intrigue of Amadeo de Souza-Cardoso's masterpiece, "Smoker with a Cigarette-Holder." This dynamic piece, painted between 1915 and 1916, encapsulates the bold experimentation of the early 20th century avant-garde movement to which Souza-Cardoso belonged.Upon viewing, the spectator plunges into a fragmented realm where conventional forms and perspectives are innovatively dismantled and then beautifully reassembled. The painting features an abstract representation of a figure, presumably the titular smoker, defined by disjointed, geometric shapes and sharp angular lines. The integration of varied colors and forms intertwined with distinct contours illustrates a figure holding a cigarette-holder. A sense of depth and space is playfully manipulated through careful placement of light and dark hues, giving vigor and movement to the composition.At the backdrop, abstracted shapes suggest fragments of an urban setting or room, possibly hinting at a café or a customary smoking lounge of that era. Windows are abstractly indicated by blue and white shapes at the upper right, giving a feel of the environment outside or adjacent spaces."Smoker with a Cigarette-Holder" is not just a striking visual composition but also a testament to Souza-Cardoso's unique style that fluidly combines elements of Cubism and Futurism. This painting challenges viewers to explore visual perception and to reconsider the boundaries of figurative depiction.