Charming Cigar Smoking Wooden Sculpture | Wall Art

Charming Wooden Cigar-Smoking Sculpture – Quirky Wall Art

This photograph immediately grabs your attention with its quirky and somewhat surreal subject—a wooden sculpture of an older man with a well-worn cigar stuck firmly in his mouth. The exaggerated features, especially the bulbous nose, wide eyes, and deeply etched lines across the forehead, give the figure a comically severe look. There’s a sense of humor here and a hint of old-world charm. The texture of the wood, carved with such intricate detail, invites you to study every wrinkle, every groove in the grain, as if each line tells part of this wooden man’s story.

The black and white treatment enhances the drama, allowing the contrast between light and shadow to emphasize the sculpture’s character. The smoothness of the cigar against the rugged lines of the face creates a visual contrast that adds another layer of interest. What’s fascinating is how lifelike the figure feels, despite being an inanimate object. The eyes, though wooden, almost seem to stare back at you, slightly exaggerated as if in permanent surprise or dismay, adding a whimsical edge to the entire scene.

What I appreciate most about this shot is the personality it exudes. It’s not just a photograph of a sculpture—it’s a glimpse into a playful moment, a character frozen in time with an expression that’s both endearing and a little comical. You can almost imagine this character sitting outside a cigar shop, welcoming—or perhaps intimidating—customers with that ever-present cigar in his mouth.

Personal note: This sculpture caught my eye immediately. There’s something irresistible about the way it combines humor with craftsmanship. I loved how the texture of the wood gave it an aged, almost lifelike feel, and I couldn’t resist capturing that quirky expression.

© Dan Kosmayer, 2011