That Little Side Door, from the Magic Changing Cards series (N223) issued by Kinney Tobacco Company 1889

Editor: This little drawing, "That Little Side Door" by Kinney Tobacco Company, dates back to 1889. It’s part of a "Magic Changing Cards" series and seems to be a print, possibly from a pencil drawing, on paper. I’m immediately struck by the title and the text "Hold to the light". What story is being told, or hinted at here? Curator: Well, what immediately jumps out is this card is advertising, a trade card included with tobacco products. This shifts how we interpret it. "Family Entrance," and the suggestion of revealing something by holding it to the light suggests a complex social commentary hidden beneath the surface of commercial promotion. How do images like this reflect on the burgeoning commercialism of the late 19th century? Editor: That's a really great perspective. I hadn't thought about the social implications within something seemingly so simple. You said it could suggest complex social commentary - what makes you say that? Curator: The placement of the 'family entrance' and what's kept secret versus made visible sheds light on social codes of behavior and exclusion during that time. The "magic" aspect appeals to popular interest in illusion and transformation while quietly conveying specific messages about acceptable behavior, and perhaps even subtly satirizing those standards. Also consider how mass-produced imagery creates shared cultural references. Did these images challenge or reinforce prevailing societal norms? Editor: That makes a lot of sense! Thinking about the distribution of these cards… it puts the art right into everyday life and engages consumers beyond just selling tobacco. These “magic” changing cards can be thought of as a cultural touchstone reflecting socio-economic structures in late 19th century. Curator: Precisely! Analyzing them helps us to better understand how consumerism shaped society then, and still shapes it today. A simple picture suddenly opens up a doorway to social commentary.