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

Editor: This is Kittie Mills, from the Actresses series, printed in 1889 by William S. Kimball & Co. It looks like a photograph that has been reproduced as a print. There's a strange theatricality to it; a casual yet constructed pose. What do you see in this piece? Curator: It’s fascinating how commercial images, like this cigarette card, become cultural artifacts. These weren't meant to be high art, but they tapped into something significant. Actresses, like Kittie Mills, were idolized, their images circulated widely, shaping perceptions of beauty and femininity. Do you see how her pose, while seemingly relaxed, is also quite calculated? Editor: Yes, there’s a definite awareness of being observed, even a bit defiant, perhaps? How does that connect to the image being used to sell cigarettes? Curator: Exactly! It's about creating a connection. The actress represents allure, sophistication, aspiration, even transgression, qualities they wanted consumers to associate with their product. The very act of collecting these cards and having them created a relationship with the company itself and between collectors. How are these images also encoded with cultural meanings? Editor: It’s like they’re using her image as a symbol. What strikes me is that in 1889, displaying the female form in that way might have been considered a bit daring, adding another layer. Curator: Precisely! And those subtle cues work on an emotional level, shaping the cultural memory linked to these actresses and what they represent, revealing cultural memory and social trends. We also are seeing photography being used more in these smaller artworks. What will they be associated with for people of the 21st century? Editor: It is remarkable how something created to sell cigarettes provides so many layers to unpack. Curator: Agreed. It shows us how even seemingly disposable images can carry a great deal of cultural and psychological weight.