The Cigarette - Charles Maurin

A refined etching and aquatint by Charles Maurin, depicting a seated female figure in a moment of quiet, modern intimacy.

Charles Maurin was a French artist known for his technical mastery of printmaking, particularly in the medium of etching and aquatint. This work, titled The Cigarette, captures a seated female figure in a moment of quiet contemplation. The composition relies on the contrast between the unadorned skin of the subject and the dense, cross-hatched background that suggests a dimly lit interior space. Maurin employs a delicate line quality to define the contours of the body, while the aquatint process provides a subtle tonal depth that anchors the figure within the frame. Maurin was closely associated with the Symbolist movement and maintained friendships with figures such as Félix Vallotton and Aristide Maillol. His work often explored themes of intimacy and psychological interiority, moving away from the purely decorative concerns of his contemporaries. In this print, the subject holds a cigarette, a detail that introduces a modern, casual element to the traditional nude study. The pose is relaxed, yet the direct gaze of the subject creates a sense of engagement with the viewer. The artist uses the physical limitations of the etching plate to focus attention on the anatomy and the play of light across the skin. By stripping away extraneous detail, Maurin directs the eye toward the posture and the expression of the sitter. This print is a characteristic example of his ability to combine rigorous academic training with the experimental spirit of late nineteenth-century French printmaking. It remains a study in form, shadow, and the quiet observation of the human figure.