Monocle and Eye (brown), from Jocular Ocular series (N221) issued by Kinney Bros. 1889

Editor: This small print from 1889 by Kinney Brothers, titled *Monocle and Eye*, part of the *Jocular Ocular* series, is rendered in colored pencil and… well, it’s just an eye. It's quite striking. What do you see in it? Curator: Ah, yes. The "window to the soul," wouldn't you agree? Beyond its literal representation, consider what the isolated eye might symbolize during that era. What feelings might the artist evoke by separating a body part from the whole? Editor: Discomfort, maybe? It's a little unnerving to see just an eye staring back. Does it connect with, like, ideas of surveillance at the time? Curator: Precisely! The late 19th century saw burgeoning industries, and technological advancements increased social scrutiny. This single eye perhaps serves as a reminder of both human observation and a looming sense of being watched, all mediated through changing cultural norms. What effect do you think using coloured pencil has on this symbolism? Editor: Hmm, the soft lines maybe soften that surveillance feeling a little bit. I wonder if using a harder medium would be…creepier? Curator: An interesting thought. And note also its production as a print for mass consumption. Tobacco cards like this one circulated widely, carrying symbolic weight into everyday lives. Do you find your interpretation shifting given the intended audience and medium? Editor: Definitely. Thinking of it as something casually seen changes how I consider the subject matter; this isolated eye is part of everyday life! Thanks! Curator: My pleasure. Now, contemplate the power of symbols found in the most mundane corners of our world! It reflects how cultural memory works, wouldn't you agree?