Miss Morris, from the Actresses series (N246), Type 2, issued by Kinney Brothers to promote Sporting Extra Cigarettes 1888 - 1892

Curator: Let's discuss this evocative image, "Miss Morris, from the Actresses series (N246), Type 2," a photograph issued between 1888 and 1892 by Kinney Brothers to promote their Sporting Extra Cigarettes. Editor: Immediately, I'm struck by the dreamlike quality. The sepia tones lend such an old-world grace to her portrait. She almost seems to float on the card, radiating innocence with an element of delicate power. Curator: Interesting point! And while this work is a photograph, the process deserves attention. These cigarette cards were printed en masse, using photo-mechanical reproduction processes – early lithography in effect – making art accessible in the most commercial setting. It shows a democratization of imagery, wouldn’t you say? Editor: Absolutely! I also see layers of symbolic meaning. Her pearl necklace whispers of prosperity and purity. And there’s that tiny floral decoration interwoven into her soft curls – almost a visual echo of spring, rebirth, the flowering of theatrical talent! Curator: Consider also the industrial context! Mass production depended on photographic skill and sophisticated printmaking techniques that served, essentially, as advertising. The "high art" of portraiture becomes intertwined with commerce. That says something about cultural values. Editor: Indeed. Yet, beyond the economic functions, the image invites its audience to project fantasies of glamour, celebrity, and perhaps a touch of scandal, all on the persona of "Miss Morris," whose eyes hold some undisclosed mystery. Curator: Right! This small photographic print becomes, through its method of production and use, a valuable mirror, reflecting the culture's hopes, dreams, and values concerning labor and leisure at that particular historical moment. It asks viewers about their perception and expectations from performing artists and artistic media. Editor: Thinking of the echoes and legacies imbued in the actress’ portrait, her face connects us to lost times while encapsulating collective values about femininity. The symbolism, intentionally or not, created a space for her persona to take root in culture through tobacco! Curator: The blending of materiality and symbolism truly is what renders this little advertisement card so interesting and captivating, even today. Editor: I agree entirely. Examining “Miss Morris” revealed complex ideas beyond her surface. Thank you for helping to see it!