Miss Rose, from the Actresses series (N203) issued by Wm. S. Kimball & Co. 1889

This is "Miss Rose," a sepia-toned lithograph, part of the "Actresses" series by Wm. S. Kimball & Co. The small scale of the print is immediately striking, yet within this diminutive space, a whole world of representation unfolds. Notice the composition: Miss Rose is centered, her form creating a delicate balance between the static backdrop and the implied movement of her pose. The softness of the lithographic ink renders the texture of her tutu almost palpable. The very form of the actress is mediated through the lens of commodity and circulation, highlighting the intersections of art, commerce, and identity. The print, issued as a cigarette card, challenges the conventional boundaries of art. Its semiotic function extends beyond mere representation; it signifies value, desire, and the cultural capital associated with both the actress and the act of collecting. This is not just a portrait; it's a fragment of a larger system, a sign within a network of signs.