A Virginia Cousin & Bar-Harbour Tales 1895

Editor: So, this is "A Virginia Cousin & Bar-Harbour Tales," a poster print from 1895 by Ethel Reed. I'm struck by its simplicity and the almost ephemeral feel. The subject seems so fragile, yet empowered at the same time. What do you see in this piece? Curator: It's interesting you say "empowered." Reed was indeed part of a wave of independent women artists at the turn of the century. I think situating this image in that context reveals interesting tensions. Editor: Tensions? Like what? Curator: Well, consider the subject matter. “Virginia Cousin” and “Bar Harbour Tales” evoke very specific worlds of wealth and social status at a time of great social change. Reed, as a young woman forging her own path in the art world, both participates in and perhaps critiques those worlds. How do you read her portrayal of women within this social structure? Editor: That's a good point. The woman is beautifully adorned, and appears self-assured. Perhaps Reed wanted to highlight both their beauty and relative confinement in high society? Curator: Precisely. Also note Reed’s brief, and at times troubled life – think of how she used her artwork and printmaking in general to disseminate more radical political messaging on feminism and free love, at a time when women’s social and political roles were rapidly transforming. The poster isn't simply decorative, is it? Editor: No, not at all! It speaks volumes about the complexities of women's lives during that period. I see how you brought intersectional feminism into interpreting the artwork! Curator: Glad I could provide this background! Every work of art is deeply connected with broader histories, discourses, and philosophies. And now it's up to us to discover their complex stories!