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This evocative oil on canvas portrait by Alfred Mendoza, painted in 1887, captures a young woman—likely his sister Elizabeth—smoking a cigarette with calm confidence seated in a moment of quiet introspection. Married to a cigar manufacturer, Elizabeth lived in London’s East End, a melting pot of Jewish families and immigrant life in the late 19th century. She is depicted smoking a cigarette—a striking and unconventional pose for a female sitter of the Victorian era—imbuing the composition with a sense of modernity, self-possession, and quiet defiance. Her gaze is steady and calm, directed slightly away from the viewer, suggesting both contemplation and confidence.
The palette is warm and earthy, with deep brown and ochre tones dominating the background and the woman's clothing. Her features are finely rendered, with soft modeling of the face and hands that reflects Mendoza’s academic training. The light subtly illuminates her profile, drawing attention to the curve of her cheek and the delicate gesture of her hand holding the cigarette.
The composition is intimate and restrained, with a strong sense of psychological depth. There’s no elaborate setting—only a neutral, darkened backdrop that keeps the viewer’s focus entirely on the figure. The choice to depict a woman in such a casual, personal moment—especially smoking—was bold and forward-thinking, highlighting Mendoza's sensitivity to social nuance and evolving cultural norms.
Signed and dated in the lower left, this painting not only showcases Mendoza’s skill as a portraitist but also serves as a subtle commentary on identity, modern womanhood, and quiet rebellion in an era of strict social expectations.
Alfred Mendoza, of Spanish-Sephardic Jewish descent, was born in Spitalfields, London. A painter and sculptor, he exhibited at the Royal Academy in 1887 and painted portraits—including one of King George V in 1917. His life spanned London, France, South America, and Bournemouth. His son Montague Mendoza (1898–1973) became a notable comic artist and cartoonist under the pseudonyms Flam and Flambo.
Remarkably, Alfred was also the great-grandson of boxing legend Daniel Mendoza (1764–1836), and related to actor Peter Sellers—another legacy of the Mendoza name.
Artist: Alfred Mendoza (1860-1925).
Signed and dated in the lower left.
Medium: Oil on canvas.
Condition: Very good condition.
Dimensions: 51 x 41 cm. / 20 x 16 in.
Frame: 71 x 61 cm. / 28 x 24 in. Very good condition.
Provenance: Ottawa, Canada.
