Georgie Dennin and Sadie Kirby, Erminie Co., from the Actresses series (N203) issued by Wm. S. Kimball & Co. 1889

Editor: This is "Georgie Dennin and Sadie Kirby, Erminie Co.," a photographic print from 1889, part of the Actresses series by Wm. S. Kimball & Co. The sepia tone gives it such an antique feel, and it's interesting how posed it is, a far cry from today's casual photos. What jumps out at you when you see this piece? Curator: It's a fascinating example of the intersection of popular culture, celebrity, and consumerism in the late 19th century. Consider this: these weren't just portraits; they were trade cards. Tobacco companies, like Kimball, used them as promotional items. These actresses became publicly consumable images within a larger marketing strategy. Editor: So, it's not just about art, but about commerce? Curator: Precisely. Think about the societal role of actresses at the time. They were public figures, objects of both admiration and scrutiny. By including them in these cards, Kimball was capitalizing on their fame and associating it with his product. These cards made a statement about aspirations and luxury that the tobacco brand wanted to evoke. Who were these actresses appealing to? What do you know about the company's target audience at the time? Editor: Well, tobacco was pretty widespread, so maybe a general audience? But perhaps more men, since tobacco ads at that time... targeted that market. I hadn't considered how much context lies within what looks like a simple portrait. Curator: Absolutely. These images offer a snapshot of the period's cultural values. Moreover, consider where these cards ended up—in albums, scrapbooks. So they took on a different function in domestic settings and afforded actresses a form of extended social commentary on stage and within social circles. Editor: I see your point! It's like a form of early advertising using celebrity endorsements before that became widespread. This reframes how I viewed this photograph! Thanks. Curator: And I appreciate you identifying how posed it appears - perhaps an indicator about where we are heading now within today’s advertising trends. Thank you!