Queen Victoria Smoking Print

I am a post punk Pop artist who likes to utilise subversive humour to get people talking and thinking. I was thinking about the symbolism of smoking and feminism when I was working on a series of 'portraits' of famous women, so they all ended up portrayed as smoking cigars. I chose Queen Victoria as one of my women because today she is considered the ultimate symbol of conservative 19th century morality. Yet the reverse must have been true. As a woman who became Queen at 18, then bore 9 children, she matured to became the most influential in the world. As the UK consolidated its influence across Europe, Australia, Africa and Asia, her role as a political and social mover and shaker grew in a world dominated by male politicians. I think her power and influence is dreadfully under-rated in the 21st century. Initially, I used charcoal on thick cardboard with a white gesso base. It was a plain and uninspiring work. After playing around with the image on my ipad, I decided to add a hint of colour with conte. It gave Queen Vic more life but didn't hint at her strength. The addition of the cigar (a traditionally male accessory) in acrylic paint finally brought a sense of defiance, strength and power to her image. No wonder powerful men smoke cigars!

Print:Giclee on Fine Art Paper

Size:8 W x 10 H x 0.1 D in

Size with Frame:13.25 W x 15.25 H x 1.2 D in

Delivery Time:Typically 5-7 business days for domestic shipments, 10-14 business days for international shipments.