Actress holding long sword in both hands, from Stars of the Stage, Second Series (N130) issued by Duke Sons & Co. to promote Honest Long Cut Tobacco 1891

Editor: Here we have "Actress holding long sword in both hands," a lithograph print made around 1891 by W. Duke, Sons & Co. as part of their Stars of the Stage series. The actress seems oddly hesitant, given that sword! What jumps out at you in this image? Curator: Oh, the theatrics! It reminds me of those dime novels, full of daring escapades and over-the-top characters. I love how this seemingly straightforward portrait hints at a whole world of performance and imagination. Isn't it wonderful how art can capture that spirit of make-believe? Editor: It's definitely transporting! The image itself is pretty straightforward, though, isn't it? Curator: Is it? Look again. There's a real tension between the actress's rigid pose and the suggestion of movement in her costume, those little pom-poms, the breeze on the stage. It's as if the image is both a celebration of the performative, swashbuckling life and a gently mocking nod to its inherent absurdity. Editor: I see what you mean! Almost like she's both in and out of character at the same time. It’s really different than I first thought. Curator: Exactly! It makes you wonder about the actress herself, doesn’t it? Was she relishing this role, or just playing a part? Art invites questions, not just provides answers, don't you think? Editor: It definitely gives you something to think about. Thanks for opening my eyes! Curator: My pleasure! It's a joy to look closely and think together.