John T. Raymond Dressed as a Modern Spanish Peasant, from the set Actors and Actresses, First Series (N70) for Duke brand cigarettes 1888 - 1889

Editor: Here we have “John T. Raymond Dressed as a Modern Spanish Peasant,” created around 1888-1889. It’s a colored-pencil print, originally a cigarette card from W. Duke, Sons & Co. The colors feel faded and almost dreamlike; there's a slightly comical, almost theatrical feel to it, given the title. What's your interpretation? Curator: Dreamlike, yes, that's beautifully put. It's as if a memory is struggling to surface, wouldn’t you say? The vibrant colours, softened by time, lend an ethereal quality. I find myself wondering about the "modern" aspect. Was it Raymond's portrayal of the peasant, or perhaps the peasant's attire itself that struck viewers as contemporary? These tobacco cards often exoticized other cultures. The 'Spanish peasant' is a romantic, idealized figure; it makes you wonder what Raymond, or even the artist, was trying to convey beyond a simple likeness. Editor: That's fascinating, the idea of the "modern" peasant being an exotic ideal. It shifts my perspective entirely! Do you think the medium, the colored pencil, adds to that romanticized feel? Curator: Absolutely. There’s an intimacy to the colored pencil. Think about how immediate and personal drawing is. Perhaps this evokes a feeling of a fleeting performance, a costume donned and doffed, capturing a transient moment of cultural fascination. Or, perhaps it's merely commerce exploiting public interest... Editor: It's amazing how a seemingly simple image can reveal so many layers. Curator: Indeed. Each little pencil stroke carries a story, doesn't it? It encourages me to ask so many questions about commerce, popular culture, and how the artist sought to communicate cultural identity. I now know what I'll be researching today! Thanks for this!