Herbert Kelsey in the Costume of a Magyar, Hungary, from the set Actors and Actresses, Second Series (N71) for Duke brand cigarettes 1888 - 1890

Curator: This card, "Herbert Kelsey in the Costume of a Magyar, Hungary," is from the series "Actors and Actresses," created between 1888 and 1890 by W. Duke, Sons & Co. It's currently held here at The Met. It was a print for Duke brand cigarettes. Editor: It’s got such a gentle aura. Something about those blushed cheeks against the stylized Hungarian clothing hints at playfulness and a dash of romantic fantasy, almost as if plucked from a theatrical scene. Curator: Absolutely. There’s an element of costuming, wouldn't you agree? Given it’s part of a series depicting actors, this is less about documentary and more about performance, visual spectacle and advertising. Editor: That hat! A glorious riot of colors. I'm captivated by how the eye dances across it, the ribbons suggesting dynamic movement despite the medium's inherent stillness. You can easily notice how his strong and symmetrical features denote classic masculinity and nobility. Curator: I agree that color and symmetry here are a sign of artistry, of deliberate intention, although there's a risk of reading too much depth into something primarily designed to catch the eye and sell cigarettes. Still, you've mentioned that the colors make it dynamic and moving and that movement reminds us of what type of media, the theater, is all about. That adds even more to the marketing element you just introduced. Editor: Fair point, yes. But still, it’s lovely to look at! As viewers, aren't we drawn into its miniature world? Curator: Yes, there's an inherent charm. I'd say the slightly cartoonish style adds an additional layer of whimsical delight, a world apart from strict, high-art portraiture. Its function and art coexist here, a blend of artistry, marketing, and fleeting cultural fascination. Editor: Ultimately, it prompts us to contemplate how these simple illustrations encapsulated broader themes of identity and representation, especially within popular culture. It invites reflection, wouldn't you say?