Effie, from the Ballet Queens series (N182) issued by Wm. S. Kimball & Co. 1889

Curator: Before us is “Effie, from the Ballet Queens series (N182) issued by Wm. S. Kimball & Co.,” dating back to 1889. The artwork, now residing at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, employs drawing and colored pencil as primary mediums, manifesting as a print. Editor: Well, my first impression is... energetically theatrical! The boldness of the colors, particularly the vibrant reds and greens in the costume, grabs your attention immediately. Curator: Indeed. The piece echoes the stylistic contours of Ukiyo-e, which highlights fleeting moments and genre scenes, embedding this ballerina within a broader historical narrative of entertainment and cultural fascination. The somewhat exaggerated proportions lean towards caricature. What symbols resonate with you? Editor: The color choices feel significant. Red, of course, often represents passion and vitality, aligning with the energy of ballet. The green accents provide an interesting counterpoint. The geometry of the stripes and overall construction of her clothing feel constructed more for symbolic meaning than mere flattery. Curator: I agree. Red has deep symbolic connections, signifying life, blood, but also defiance and power. Her self-assured stance and the confident gaze—despite being a caricature—present a woman owning her space and performance. She is not a passive beauty, but an active participant in a cultural ritual. Do you pick up any specific themes, or connections to historical representations? Editor: The overall effect reminds me a bit of Art Nouveau with its playful approach to form. There’s a sense of idealized representation at work. Curator: Right. And while seemingly lighthearted, such pieces provide essential records of popular entertainment in the late 19th century, offering insights into social values, beauty standards, and the era’s fascination with performance and celebrity. Editor: It strikes me that while the colors and outfit are rather exaggerated, the woman's face is presented quite naturalistically. It adds a kind of groundedness to the whole composition, counterbalancing the more outlandish aspects. Curator: Exactly. It highlights the tension between artifice and reality inherent in performance itself. I’m glad we were able to spend time with it! Editor: It certainly was an eye-opener, quite vibrant for its time, indeed.