Josie Baker as "The Terrapin," from the series Fancy Dress Ball Costumes (N73) for Duke brand cigarettes 1889

Curator: It's absolutely whimsical! The first thing that struck me was the…turtle hat. I mean, it's not every day you see a portrait with such a delightfully odd accessory. Editor: And what an unusual portrait it is. This is "Josie Baker as 'The Terrapin'," from the series "Fancy Dress Ball Costumes" made around 1889 for W. Duke, Sons & Co. What began as hand-painted cards eventually transitioned into mass-produced, colorful prints included in cigarette packs. Talk about art meeting commerce! Curator: A turtle hat, though! I can almost feel the weight of it, the slow, deliberate movement it implies. Was she portraying a specific character, or just embodying a… terrapin-esque state of mind? Editor: It speaks volumes about late 19th-century popular culture. Fancy dress balls were huge, offering a space for social commentary, role-playing, and, yes, sometimes outright bizarre fashion choices. Josie Baker here is likely representing a character from a play or popular entertainment, filtered through the lens of a brand keen to capture public attention. Curator: I wonder if the artist was tickled by the whole affair or slightly bemused. The pastel palette lends an air of sweetness, but there’s also a hint of irony, maybe in the meticulous rendering of that shell perched atop her curls. Editor: These cards were, above all, advertising. Duke wanted to portray a world of elegance and theatricality to entice consumers. The artist had to balance creative expression with commercial needs, fitting artistic talent into the context of the marketplace. How successful do you think it was? Curator: It absolutely captures my attention, so that's successful by me! Even today, it’s this slightly absurd, visually arresting image that lingers. It invites me into her story, this curious moment in time when turtles became… fashionable headwear. Editor: And maybe a gentle reminder that even the most ordinary object, like a cigarette card, can tell us something about ourselves and our cultural obsessions. Thanks for sharing your perspective. Curator: It's been an absolute pleasure; thank you!