Euphrosyne, One of the Three Graces, from the Goddesses of the Greeks and Romans series (N188) issued by Wm. S. Kimball & Co. 1889

Curator: Here we have "Euphrosyne, One of the Three Graces" printed in 1889 by William S. Kimball & Company. It’s part of a series featuring goddesses of the Greeks and Romans. It’s a fascinating example of how mythological figures were reimagined for popular consumption through printed imagery. Editor: It's funny how these images find new life. I immediately thought about Victorian ideals of beauty – this idealized woman with a touch of sweetness, all pastel and serene. She's like a vintage perfume ad, almost saccharine, but it draws you in. Curator: Precisely. Kimball was a tobacco company and this card, printed with watercolors, was included in cigarette packs. Think of it as a 19th-century trading card, but much more elaborate. It speaks volumes about how advertising was evolving, aiming for aspirational and educational values to enhance its appeal. Editor: Did anyone really think of goddesses when reaching for their tobacco? Still, that subtle combination of commerce and culture always makes me giggle. The execution is pretty deft considering it was meant to be ephemeral. See how her gown seems to merge with the surrounding trees? Curator: The technique is photolithography, a form of mass production that enabled colour printing and pictorial elements, a novelty back then. By including imagery of classical mythology, Kimball sought to elevate its brand image beyond mere function or need. These collectible cards gave their customers something that they thought would provide both aesthetic pleasure, and perceived knowledge about a past tradition, thus creating an alluring image around the tobacco product. Editor: Well, they’re kind of hypnotic! And it got me thinking about today’s wellness gurus, and influencers, and how similar they are to the goddesses in our minds; figures with a little bit of a celestial shimmer, there to bestow happiness. I feel transported, almost dreamlike, contemplating that delicate portrait. Curator: It's a layered message. We find artistry cleverly nestled in mass-produced objects, meant for temporary enjoyment. It offers glimpses into a very carefully designed consumerism that continues to thrive today. Editor: It certainly leaves me pondering our enduring obsession with beauty and myth, skillfully captured in these fleeting, ephemeral things.