Don t be shocked Aunt Cathie but I occasionally smoke

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Don t be shocked Aunt Cathie but I occasionally smoke

Illustration to a short story by E. F. Benson, The Puce Silk illustrating the a young woman smoking a cigarette in front of her aunt. Date: 1908

Mary Evans Picture Library makes available wonderful images created for people to enjoy over the centuries

Media ID 23041756

© Mary Evans Picture Library

Aunt Cigarette Cigarettes Daring Emancipation Nov17 Spurrier Steven Rights

EDITORS COMMENTS
reads the caption of this thought-provoking illustration from 1908, taken from E.F. Benson's short story "The Puce Silk." The image captures a young woman, dressed in modern Edwardian attire, defiantly puffing on a cigarette as she faces her disapproving aunt. With a determined expression on her face and a hint of rebellion in her eyes, she seems to be asserting her newfound independence and women's rights to make personal choices. The illustration, created by artist Steven Spurrier, masterfully captures the tension between tradition and modernity, as well as the generational divide that was beginning to emerge in the early 20th century. The young woman's daring act of smoking in front of her aunt was a bold statement of female emancipation and a rejection of societal norms that had long deemed smoking an unladylike behavior. The use of muted colors and intricate details in the illustration adds to the overall mood of the scene, creating a sense of intimacy and introspection. The woman's elegant yet simple outfit, made of puce silk, contrasts sharply with the plain, somber attire of her aunt, highlighting the generational gap and the changing times. As we gaze upon this image, we are reminded of the struggles and triumphs of women's rights movements, and the courage it took for young women like this one to challenge societal norms and assert their individuality. The illustration serves as a powerful reminder of the progress that has been made, as well as the ongoing fight for gender equality and personal freedom.

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