Louis Icart Smoke (Fumée)

This striking version of Smoke (Fumée), created in the 1920s–1930s, is an etching with aquatint that presents a reclining nude woman draped in a flowing skirt atop a luxurious dark fur. Her elongated pose, with one arm raised and a cigarette delicately held, emphasizes both elegance and sensual abandon. The presence of an ornate hookah-like vessel in the foreground adds an exotic, opulent atmosphere, while faint smoke trails enhance the dreamy, languid mood. Icart’s fine lines and soft tonal transitions create a rich contrast between the pale figure and the deep textures of the fur.

Louis Icart (1888–1950) was a leading French printmaker of the Art Deco era, celebrated for his refined and often provocative depictions of women. His work blends technical precision with a romantic, playful sensibility, frequently exploring themes of luxury, intimacy, and modern femininity. Widely collected during his lifetime, Icart’s prints remain iconic for their distinctive style and evocative charm.