Portrait of woman, from the Novelties series (N228, Type 2) issued by Kinney Bros. 1889

Curator: Here we have a printed portrait of a woman, part of the Novelties series produced by Kinney Bros. in 1889. These were included in cigarette packs, very popular at the time. Editor: It has a dreamy quality. The colours are quite faded. It has an oval shape; she's framed in a red circle like a vintage locket. What medium do you suppose was used to manufacture these? Curator: These were produced through a variety of printing methods, including decalcomania, photography, and drawing. This speaks to the evolving visual culture of the late 19th century, where different media started blending. Editor: That explains the diffused edges and soft rendering! I’m drawn to that ruff—all lace and layered, very textural even if represented with smooth color printing. The fact that these delicate items were bundled with rugged goods like tobacco is quite interesting. Curator: Absolutely, and consider the social aspect of it all. These cards promoted tobacco brands, obviously, but also circulated images of feminine beauty to a wide audience, becoming a crucial element of the advertising landscape. The idealized woman becomes intertwined with product promotion, reflecting and shaping contemporary ideals. Editor: It is intriguing how the female form, constructed for consumption through materials and techniques. How the industrial processes served the commodification of desire in this portrait, transforming her into a mere addition in a package of cigarettes! This opens up questions on the implications of commodification. Curator: Indeed. And thinking of how such small objects would enter the daily lives of ordinary people highlights the accessibility of art at the time, even though packaged in an advertising context. It’s about how businesses can actively impact what society deems to be art. Editor: It truly offers an insightful reflection on a time when art, industry, and commerce began intertwining, shaping perceptions and material cultures. Curator: A little token with a complex social and economic web attached to it.