English Dancer, from the Dancing Women series (N186) issued by Wm. S. Kimball & Co. 1889

This small paper card of an English dancer was produced by the Wm. S. Kimball & Co. A chromolithograph, it's a mass-produced image, printed with multiple stones, each applying a different color. The effect is a vibrant, almost photographic rendering, a far cry from the muted tones of earlier printmaking. Look at the way the colors are layered to create the dancer's lively costume, her elaborate hair, and the subtle shading that suggests depth. This wasn't fine art; it was a collectible item included in cigarette packs. Kimball was one of the biggest tobacco companies, and they used these cards as a marketing tool. They offered a glimpse into other cultures and entertainments, all while promoting a very different kind of consumption. So, when we look at this little card, we're not just seeing a dancer. We're seeing the mechanics of mass production, the rise of consumer culture, and the clever ways that companies used images to capture our attention. It’s a reminder that even the smallest objects can tell big stories about society.