Mandarin, from the Fruits series (N12) for Allen & Ginter Cigarettes Brands 1891

Curator: Before us we have "Mandarin, from the Fruits series (N12) for Allen & Ginter Cigarettes Brands," dating back to 1891. Editor: Right away, there’s this unexpected sweetness to it, isn't there? The gentle flush on her cheeks, framed by the vibrant mandarin oranges—it's a playful composition, almost like a summer dream. Curator: The piece is composed through the delicate application of coloured pencil and print, typical of the art nouveau style. Observe how the portrait is centrally positioned, and the considered use of space directs our eyes to her features. Editor: It's as though she's emerged right from the tree, almost like a dryad or sprite—those ornaments amidst the leaves are something! And the slightly caricatured element adds a dash of surreal charm. What's with the cigaretts thing anyway? Curator: Allen & Ginter, the company behind it, used these cards as part of their cigarette packaging. Series like these had a popular function in that era to spark consumers' interests and collect. Notice the careful rendering of her clothing versus the foliage in this work. This visual juxtaposition is interesting and significant. Editor: So, art for capitalism then—albeit charming capitalism. It almost reminds me of some vintage perfume labels. All things circle around, wouldn’t you say? I wonder how the folks back then related to this gentle play of art, consumerism and womanhood… Curator: It represents a very specific point in commercial and art history through art-nouveau conventions of that period, don’t you agree? Its visual texture is appealing to a late 19th century viewer as the idealization of portraiture meets mass consumption of collectible printed cards. Editor: Exactly! This humble print invites us on a synaesthetic journey through an age we never knew—or never wanted to see at such an intimate proximity. I am leaving this work with an aftertaste of curiosity for a time capsule from our past. Curator: I’m struck by its clever encapsulation of cultural values, technique, and historical consumerism as the artist shows technical prowess to elevate cigarette cards to an appreciated collectible of popular art history.