Portrait of woman, from the Novelties series (N228, Type 1) issued by Kinney Bros. 1889

Editor: Here we have, "Portrait of Woman," a print drawing from 1889, made by the Kinney Brothers Tobacco Company. It's part of their "Novelties" series, and I’m struck by the circular format, which gives it an almost coin-like appearance. What story does this image tell you? Curator: Well, immediately, it raises questions about representation and commodification. It's fascinating how tobacco companies used images of women to sell their product. Think about the social and political climate of the late 19th century – what ideals of femininity were being perpetuated through these images? How did this affect women’s agency? Editor: So, it’s more than just a pretty face? It has something to say about society back then. Curator: Precisely. The "Novelties" series highlights the objectification of women in early advertising. These weren't just portraits; they were tools to associate tobacco with desirability and status. Do you think this image challenged or reinforced the patriarchal norms? Editor: I suppose reinforced them. It presents a very idealized image, almost like a porcelain doll, further solidifying limited roles for women. I hadn't thought of it that way initially. Curator: Exactly, and questioning those norms is critical when we look at these pieces today. By unpacking the layers of context, we can have more informed discussions about not only art, but culture, and history, and the narratives they support. Editor: I’m now looking at this completely differently, thinking about those power dynamics and how those images play into advertising even now. Thank you! Curator: My pleasure. It's always beneficial when historical artworks can trigger meaningful questions about today’s society.