Neapolitan, from National Dances (N225, Type 2) issued by Kinney Bros. 1889

This is a trade card, titled "Neapolitan", from the National Dances series, created by Kinney Brothers Tobacco Company around the late 19th century. The card's structure revolves around a central figure depicted in vibrant colors against a muted background. The dancer's dynamic pose, caught mid-movement, introduces a sense of temporality, freezing a fleeting moment for the viewer. The composition uses the dancer's attire—the layered, striped patterns of her dress and scarf—to create visual interest and direct the eye. These stripes act as signifiers of cultural identity, hinting at traditional Neapolitan dress. The card operates within a semiotic system where clothing becomes a coded representation of culture. The use of color is strategic, with warm reds and yellows contrasted against cooler blues, creating a balanced yet engaging visual experience. The image challenges fixed notions of cultural representation, presenting a stylized version of Neapolitan identity. The card invites us to consider how cultural symbols are constructed and circulated.