An Old Woman Smoking - Tipos del País Illustration (19th Century Philippines)

This illustration depicts an elderly Filipina woman seated while smoking a cigar, capturing a quiet and intimate moment of daily life. The composition emphasizes age, posture, and personal habit.

Created by Justiniano Asunción, this piece belongs to the Tipos del País series, which documented everyday scenes and individuals across Philippine society. Tobacco use was widespread during the Spanish colonial period, particularly under the tobacco monopoly established in the 18th century. Scenes like this provide insight into how such practices were integrated into daily routines across different age groups and social classes.

This piece is part of the Maynila Archive, a curated collection of Philippine historical visuals preserved and made accessible as fine art prints.

Available as a fine art print
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elderly Filipina woman smoking cigar, colonial Philippines daily life Tipos del Pais illustration
Written by Nelson

Founder of Maynila Archive. Researching and preserving Philippine visual heritage from colonial-era collections across the Philippines and the world.