Miss Cary, from the Actresses series (N203) issued by Wm. S. Kimball & Co. 1889

Editor: This is a photo print from 1889 titled "Miss Cary, from the Actresses series (N203) issued by Wm. S. Kimball & Co." What strikes me is the contrast between the seemingly progressive image of a woman on a bicycle and the context of it being a promotional item for cigarettes. How do you interpret that tension? Curator: It’s fascinating how promotional imagery like this becomes a visual echo of its time, isn’t it? On the surface, we see Miss Cary, likely an actress, astride what's called a "high-wheel" bicycle. Bicycles symbolized freedom and modernity, particularly for women in the late 19th century, suggesting emancipation and athleticism. However, linking her image to a cigarette brand infuses a complex symbolism. Editor: In what way? Curator: Tobacco companies often used images of actresses and other female figures to associate their product with glamour, beauty, and even rebellion. Does Cary appear powerful, vulnerable, both? The layering of meanings suggests a play between freedom and societal expectations, especially concerning women's roles. Do you notice how this tension also carries over to her costume? Editor: You’re right. The frilly attire suggests the performance space while contrasting the functionality required to actually ride the bicycle. Curator: Exactly! These images act as cultural mirrors, reflecting both aspirations and contradictions within society. Think of the associations people had about theatre or cigarettes and try and place the picture in those contexts. Editor: I hadn’t considered the layered meanings inherent in promotional material. I guess objects like these prints act as interesting time capsules. Curator: Indeed! They carry far more symbolic weight than initially meets the eye, enriching our understanding of the past.