Actress wearing blue bodice, from Stars of the Stage, Fourth Series (N132) issued by Duke Sons & Co. to promote Honest Long Cut Tobacco 1892 - 1893

Editor: This drawing, "Actress wearing blue bodice," from the series "Stars of the Stage," created by W. Duke, Sons & Co. around 1892-1893, is striking. It feels almost like a mass-produced object attempting high art. What's your perspective on it? Curator: Considering this as a print made to promote Honest Long Cut Tobacco, we see a fascinating intersection of consumerism and artistic production. How does the intended consumption of this drawing – being included in a tobacco product – affect how you perceive its aesthetic value? Editor: It makes me think about how different that is from today's understanding of art and artists. Knowing its purpose, I wonder about the labor involved in its creation and distribution. Curator: Precisely. Examine the methods of production. It's a print, likely produced on a large scale. The skill and effort invested are evident, yet they were ultimately meant to drive sales. Does recognizing the means of production change your assessment of this piece, perhaps influencing you to see beyond conventional notions of art? Editor: Absolutely, it makes me question the division between "high" art and mass-produced images, and how context dictates its meaning. How might this image connect to trends of that time? Curator: It hints at the "Japonisme" trend, evident in the emphasis on flatness and decorative line that borrow from Japanese Ukiyo-e prints. Understanding the labor, materiality, and context allows us to engage with the portrait on many new levels. Do you agree that the original boundaries are thus challenged? Editor: Yes, this commercial image contains far more complexity than I first thought. Thanks for highlighting how deeply connected art can be with material culture and labor. Curator: My pleasure. Examining the making of art provides very enriching readings.