Effie Ellsler in Algerian Costume of Africa, from the set Actors and Actresses, First Series (N70) for Duke brand cigarettes 1888 - 1889

Editor: This is a lithograph dating back to 1888-89, titled "Effie Ellsler in Algerian Costume of Africa," part of a series of "Actors and Actresses" printed by W. Duke, Sons & Co. for their cigarette brand. The portrait has a dreamlike quality. What can you tell us about it? Curator: Ah, yes, these cards! These were all the rage back then, a glimpse into the exotic made accessible through… cigarettes! The artist, bless their heart, seems to be riffing on this strange fantasy of "Algerian costume". It’s less about accurate representation, and more about… let’s say, an *interpretation*. What do you make of her expression, the tilt of her head? Editor: She almost looks wistful, like she’s gazing at something beyond the frame. But the costume itself feels… off? Almost cartoonish? Curator: Exactly! That's where the intrigue lies, doesn’t it? It embodies the cultural lens and maybe, even distortions, of the era. The academic art style mixed with the ukiyo-e hints suggests that, it is all an intentional choice. Does this choice of mixing both the styles, affect you? Editor: It makes me wonder about the original audience. Did they see this as a faithful portrayal, or was there a sense of playfulness, of fantasy, even then? Curator: That's the million-dollar question! Probably, both? They wanted that whiff of “authenticity”, but prettied up and digestible for their Victorian sensibilities. Think of it like today’s Instagram filters – truth, with a healthy dose of… enhancement! Editor: It’s fascinating how a tiny cigarette card can reveal so much about the way people viewed the world. Thanks for this interpretation! Curator: My pleasure. Always remember: every artwork, even a humble cigarette card, whispers stories – if you lean in to listen. And question! Never stop questioning.