Plate 50, from the Fans of the Period series (N7) for Allen & Ginter Cigarettes Brands 1889

Editor: So, this is Plate 50 from the "Fans of the Period" series by Allen & Ginter Cigarettes, dating back to 1889. It's a colored-pencil print. I'm struck by the somewhat satirical depiction of femininity, almost a caricature. How do you interpret this work? Curator: It's crucial to consider the context. These cigarette cards emerged during a period of intense industrialization and the rise of consumer culture. They offered miniature glimpses into idealized versions of society, often reinforcing prevailing stereotypes. Editor: Stereotypes? Curator: Consider the fan, for example. On the surface, it evokes a refined, almost aristocratic image. But think about what it signifies: a woman’s power to control access and convey subtle messages in social interactions. What do you see when considering gender expectations in that era? Editor: I see a woman almost weaponizing the fan to protect herself! Almost like she is saying no to the male gaze. Curator: Exactly! This image plays into those complexities. It both celebrates and potentially undermines that carefully constructed feminine ideal by linking it to commerce. Editor: That's fascinating. I hadn't thought about how the cigarette company's brand plays into the message itself, and its commentary on gender. Curator: And think about the concept of 'the period.' This was an era of intense debate about women's roles, their suffrage and access to education. This innocuous image, then, participates in a larger cultural conversation. It acknowledges femininity while subtly framing it within constraints, almost telling women “stay there”. Editor: I guess that’s what makes art so special. It makes us question those preconceived ideas and constraints! Curator: Precisely. This little cigarette card isn't just a pretty picture. It’s a window into the socio-political tensions of the late 19th century and how ideals are commodified and imposed.