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

This small lithograph of 'Imry' is part of the Ballet Queens series, printed by the Wm. S. Kimball & Co., purveyors of fancy smoking tobaccos in the late 19th century. These cards were created during a period defined by rapid industrialization and shifting social norms, when the commodification of beauty and the human form was becoming increasingly prevalent in advertising. Here, we see Imry, a dancer, posed in what was likely meant to be a titillating fashion. The card reflects a complex intersection of entertainment, commerce, and the objectification of women. The ballet dancer, a figure of grace and artistry, is simultaneously presented as a spectacle for consumption. In that moment, the female body was both celebrated and exploited. These cards were not simply advertisements; they were cultural artifacts that mirror the societal attitudes towards women and entertainment. Imry's image, frozen in time, invites us to reflect on the narratives we construct around identity, performance, and the enduring power of representation.