Charles Emory Smith, The Philadelphia Press, from the American Editors series (N1) for Allen & Ginter Cigarettes Brands 1887

Editor: Okay, next up we have an intriguing little portrait: "Charles Emory Smith, The Philadelphia Press," dating back to 1887, from the "American Editors" series by Allen & Ginter. It's a lithograph, I believe, quite small and...endearing, somehow, despite its formal subject. What's your take on this tiny titan of the press? Curator: Endearing is a lovely word! To me, it evokes a sense of… fleeting importance, almost. These cigarette cards were ephemera, designed to be collected and discarded, yet they capture these powerful figures in a fixed moment. Notice the almost exaggerated rosiness in his cheeks? It’s like a bloom, suggesting vigor but also…a kind of feverish energy perhaps. It also shows off lithography’s unique ability to mimic the look of watercolor. How does the background imagery play for you? Editor: Well, with "The Philadelphia Press" newspaper backdrop, it’s unsubtle but effective context, anchoring him firmly. Is that intentional? It almost feels a bit… comedic in its directness? Curator: Absolutely intentional! The entire series is a form of promotional portraiture, but with a dash of wry humor. They weren't striving for high art, you see, but for high recognizability. Consider this image divorced from its original function. Would we see it differently? Perhaps as a study in ambition or the fleeting nature of fame. Allen & Ginter were masters of clever marketing! It feels both dated and timeless, right? Editor: It does. That tension is fascinating. I definitely hadn’t thought about the built-in obsolescence of these images when divorced from the original purpose. Thank you for making me see this image as both advertising and portrait! Curator: And thank you for lending your keen eye! Considering the many purposes this once held makes you think about its history, it becomes much more engaging and interesting.