Belle Urquhart, from the Actresses series (N203) issued by Wm. S. Kimball & Co. 1889

This small card, part of the Actresses series by William S. Kimball & Co., presents Belle Urquhart in a sepia-toned portrait. The composition is formal, focusing on the subject's figure and attire, and the subdued palette creates a sense of historical distance. The photograph's structure relies on the contrast between the smooth texture of Urquhart's skin and the intricate details of her dress. This contrast draws the viewer's eye, inviting closer inspection of the garment’s embellishments and the soft contours of her face. The text at the bottom of the card is like a caption, a signifier connecting the image to a product, thus intertwining celebrity with consumer culture. The Actresses series, like this portrait, challenges the traditional role of women in art. Rather than depicting idealized figures from mythology or history, it presents contemporary actresses, blurring the lines between art, celebrity, and commerce. These cards engage with new ways of thinking about representation and identity.