Florette, from the Ballet Queens series (N182) issued by Wm. S. Kimball & Co. 1889

This is "Florette", a lithograph from the Ballet Queens series, created by Wm. S. Kimball & Co. These cards were distributed with cigarettes, reflecting a time when advertising freely mixed commerce with cultural trends, and often, the commodification of women. "Florette," with her revealing costume and suggestive pose, embodies the male gaze, a product of her time, yet not without its own narrative complexity. Consider how the figure of the ballet dancer was consumed in popular culture. She represents both a figure of aspiration and objectification. Her identity, crafted through costume and pose, raises questions about agency, performance, and the societal expectations placed upon women. "Florette" is a testament to the ever-evolving dialogue between art, commerce, and the construction of identity. It challenges us to critically examine the historical and cultural contexts that continue to shape how we see and understand one another.