Suadela, Goddess of Persuasion, from the Goddesses of the Greeks and Romans series (N188) issued by Wm. S. Kimball & Co. 1889

Curator: Isn't she lovely? What I mean is, look at this 1889 print! It’s titled "Suadela, Goddess of Persuasion" and it’s part of a series of goddesses by William S. Kimball & Company. I like how it was made with colored pencils – something about that is unexpected and intriguing. Editor: There's a vulnerability there, right? The colored pencil makes it feel almost...homemade. It clashes wonderfully with the very formal subject matter. All the symbolism pointing at who might yield the greatest control and leverage. The small format suggests this isn’t about grandiose power, it’s about charm, a subtle touch. Curator: Yes! There’s an intimacy, definitely. Suadela isn't imposing. I mean, look at that slightly-askew golden crown, a sweet smirk. She's saying, "Come a little closer; I've got something to whisper in your ear." But if her job is persuasion, does that read as manipulative to you at all? Editor: I don’t know about manipulative, but perhaps artful in navigating power dynamics. Her gaze isn’t direct—she’s looking to the side, pointing upwards. A bit ambiguous for such a decisive act of...influence. That's where the intrigue is. I would wager that is a reflection of a late 19th-century society where visibility was restricted for a person placed as the picture displays this deity. Curator: That's a good point! Plus, tobacco companies printing images of goddesses… it's certainly unexpected, almost absurd. What’s persuasive here – the goddess or the promise of a smoke? It all adds up to a slightly subversive quality. I would like to imagine this being offered to the ones restricted to vote back then... Editor: Exactly, this brings forward those questions about desire and the female body as commodities and negotiation tools for access and privilege. A great way to package what persuasion and influence were sold as during these moments. Curator: Absolutely! Thinking about it now, the art reminds me of a childhood reverie and opens up so many questions about who is entitled to what. Thanks for a wonderful chat! Editor: It’s a delight to link historical practices with theoretical interpretation to see art from so many angles. This print packs a real punch of inspiration.