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

Curator: This small print, “Miss Fatma, from the Actresses series,” comes from a series of collectible cards issued by Wm. S. Kimball & Co. in 1889. The pencil drawing presents an idealized portrait of an actress of the time, now residing at The Met. Editor: Ah, what a wistful, dreamlike aura this pencil drawing exudes! Her upward gaze and slightly melancholic smile make me wonder about the narratives swirling within. It reminds me of old photographs found in grandma’s attic. Curator: You know, the actress portrayed, though nameless to us, embodies a powerful visual language that spoke volumes in her era. Note the elaborate feathered headdress and the strings of pearls... They whisper of status, aspiration, and the transformative power of performance. I think she knows exactly how she wants to be seen. Editor: Exactly! And her slightly tilted head gives the image a certain grace and charm, but beyond that I cannot help but wonder about the cultural echoes and possible exoticism attached to the name Fatma at the time it was produced and consumed. Is there any record of her actual identity? Or is she simply an ideal? Curator: The details of Fatma's life may be shrouded in history, but the very fact that a cigarette company chose to immortalize her likeness speaks volumes. These cards weren't mere advertisements; they were miniature portals to a world of entertainment and fame, reflecting the cultural aspirations of the period. The power of celebrity endures. Editor: That's so interesting! This image shows us how our long ago relatives admired famous women of their era, much as we track social media feeds and celebrity news nowadays! She truly has a remarkable power and magnetism about her! I can still almost smell that dusty old attic. Curator: Agreed, her portrait lingers in our minds like an elusive melody. There's a tender sadness to it, inviting introspection on performance, identity, and enduring visual echoes. Editor: Definitely a reflective pause... This encounter has made me curious to go down a Wikipedia rabbit hole to know more about it! Thank you for introducing me to it.