Belle Archer in Fete Costume of French Peasant of 1820, from the set Actors and Actresses, First Series (N70) for Duke brand cigarettes 1888 - 1889

Editor: This is "Belle Archer in Fete Costume of French Peasant of 1820," made around 1888 by W. Duke, Sons & Co. It's a colored pencil print, one of a series of actress portraits used for cigarette cards. What catches my eye is the romanticized idea of peasantry—it feels less about historical accuracy and more about fantasy. What do you see in this piece? Curator: I see a potent mix of yearning and appropriation. The card presents Belle Archer, a contemporary actress, draped in the *idea* of a "French Peasant." Note the theatrical costume, meticulously rendered. What does that costume signify to the viewer of the late 1880s? Consider that dress has always acted as a powerful visual signifier, telling stories of status, region, and belonging. Here, the peasant costume evokes a longing for a simpler, perhaps more "authentic," past, even as it's mediated by the gaze of celebrity culture. Editor: So, it’s not just a portrait, it’s about the story the image is telling? Curator: Precisely! The costume is a symbol, layered with meaning. The head covering could reference modesty or regional identity. Even the inclusion of "1820" in the description pulls from historical tropes to frame the actress as both a modern figure and as timeless figure, embodying archetypal notions of womanhood. But remember, this is for a cigarette brand, linking that image to ideals of glamour, pleasure and beauty. What does that confluence of meanings tell us about the target audience and their aspirations? Editor: It’s about selling a lifestyle, an aspiration through the symbol of the actress in costume! I hadn't considered all those layers. Curator: Exactly. And by understanding the language of symbols, we gain a deeper appreciation for the subtle yet persuasive ways images work upon our perceptions and desires.