Mlle. Secroix, Paris, from the Actors and Actresses series (N171) for Old Judge Cigarettes 1886 - 1890

Curator: Here we have "Mlle. Secroix, Paris," one of the portraits featured in the Actors and Actresses series from 1886 to 1890, crafted by Goodwin & Company as promotional material for Old Judge Cigarettes. It’s now part of the Metropolitan Museum’s collection. Editor: It's remarkable how such a small print holds such drama. There is something theatrical about the composition, with that severe gaze and pose that is enhanced by the almost exaggerated costuming. Curator: Indeed. Note how the sepia tones flatten the image, creating planar surfaces rather than depth. We also see that in its aesthetic echoes of ukiyo-e prints, particularly in the deliberate framing and stylized pose. Editor: She seems to be channeling both masculinity and femininity. The sword suggests one and the low-cut top accentuates another. The image blends conventions and so implies a deeper level of signification in the attributes of this image of an actress. I wonder if it reflects on something within the performance itself. Curator: Quite possibly. And observe the subtle use of line—the curves of her hat brim juxtaposed with the severe lines of her bodice, drawing the eye upwards. The overall design underscores the careful balance and arrangement in the frame, typical for its period. Editor: I see those juxtapositions. But also I imagine that she carries an energy of transformation—taking on new symbolic attributes, adopting new traits. The stage then provides the opportunity to transgress and integrate new images. Curator: You offer an interesting lens through which to examine it. The symbolism is certainly complex. Editor: Yes, it certainly opens the doors for broader understanding. Thank you for pointing out the way it is positioned within the frame, though. Curator: It's been a pleasure exploring the structural and symbolic dimensions of "Mlle. Secroix" with you. Editor: Yes. And it's nice to realize that this image has a lot to offer when considering symbols from the period.