May Robson, from the Actresses series (T1), distributed by the American Tobacco Co. to promote Turkish Trophies Cigarettes 1900

Curator: This delicate print from around 1900, "May Robson, from the Actresses series," was distributed by the American Tobacco Co. to promote Turkish Trophies Cigarettes. The artist, Frederick Moladore Spiegle, captured a popular actress of the time in coloured pencil. Editor: The work strikes me as ethereal, almost dreamlike. The pastel hues and soft focus create a very specific impression. Curator: Note the Art Nouveau influences in the flowing lines of her garment. There is an interesting juxtaposition, wouldn't you agree, between the mass production of these prints and the unique, hand-drawn qualities suggesting the delicacy of impressionism? Editor: Absolutely. Beyond that, what resonates most is the artist's use of colour. Robson's subtle attire carries an emotional payload. It’s less about opulent display and more about… accessible elegance. We associate pale colours with the Virgin archetype or innocence and the choker hints at more restrictive ideals about femininity. Curator: I am intrigued by the almost photographic quality. The artist achieves an impressive likeness through colour and controlled shading. And then we see it within this manufactured, commercial context—quite curious. The soft treatment also perhaps flattens the depth... interesting. Editor: But isn’t the whole point to create desire? To invest May Robson with all the aspirational symbolism of that era? She embodies beauty, yes, but a particular type, accessible through association with the ‘Turkish Trophies’ brand itself. Curator: Perhaps, but I remain most interested in how Spiegle navigates representational artistic gesture with these flatly applied areas of almost banal industrial colouring. Editor: The power of such a portrait rests, I believe, in the confluence of art and consumerism. These objects acted as touchstones for cultural ideals during a transformative period. Curator: Agreed. Looking closely, there is still a push and pull happening in this composition, making one consider intention. Editor: Definitely an important reflection on celebrity and symbol-making. Thank you!