Cyprus, from the Dancing Girls of the World series (N185) issued by Wm. S. Kimball & Co. 1889

This small chromolithograph was produced by the Wm. S. Kimball & Co., as part of their "Dancing Girls of the World" series. The technique of chromolithography involves using multiple stone printing plates, one for each color, to create a vibrant, layered image. What's fascinating is that this was a decidedly commercial process. These cards were essentially advertisements included in cigarette packs. So, the artistry here is tied directly to mass production and consumption. The image itself, depicting a dancer from Cyprus, is a product of its time. Consider the labor involved. From the artists who designed the image, to the factory workers operating the printing presses, this card is a material record of industrial-age work. The final product is a small but telling example of how art, commerce, and cultural representation could intertwine in the late 19th century. Understanding this context enriches our appreciation, challenging the traditional divide between art and commodity.