Mlle. Elisa Saracco, from the Actresses series (N245) issued by Kinney Brothers to promote Sweet Caporal Cigarettes 1890

Editor: Here we have Mlle. Elisa Saracco, captured around 1890 by the Kinney Brothers Tobacco Company. This photograph, one of the actresses series to promote Sweet Caporal Cigarettes, gives off such a striking aura of theatrical boldness. What do you make of her assertive stance? Curator: Boldness indeed! There's a fascinating tension at play. This portrait isn't just selling cigarettes; it's selling an image of the "new woman"— independent, athletic, confident. But the sepia tones and art nouveau aesthetic soften it, almost as if trying to domesticate that wild spirit. I almost feel as though she could break into a musical number or deliver an earth-shattering monologue. Does it feel staged to you? Editor: It absolutely does! The pose, the way she leans on…is that supposed to be a rock?…everything feels so deliberately crafted. I hadn't considered the "new woman" aspect. Curator: Consider the context! Women were increasingly visible in public life, challenging societal norms. Tobacco companies, interestingly enough, often embraced these figures to market their products. The "actress" was a symbol of freedom and sophistication, but filtered through the lens of consumerism. Editor: So, it’s a complex message: empowerment intertwined with commerce. I guess it makes you question what these actresses were trying to get across versus the intentions of the companies hiring them. Curator: Precisely! It’s a portrait that seduces and provokes thought. The artist challenges us to really analyze not just the image but the framework around it. I feel challenged! Editor: That's such a great point, considering that on the surface it seems like a rather unassuming cigarette advertisement!