Marie Burroughs in Colors of New York Yacht Club, from the Yacht Colors of the World series (N140) issued by Duke Sons & Co. to promote Honest Long Cut Tobacco 1890

Curator: Well, the subject seems almost…storybook. Editor: Exactly! Here we have a print from 1890 titled "Marie Burroughs in Colors of New York Yacht Club." It's from a series created by W. Duke, Sons & Co. to promote their Honest Long Cut Tobacco. What draws your eye? Curator: The composition. The young woman, presumably Marie Burroughs, is centered, framed by what look like crossed oars and nautical rope. It's decorative, but also distinctly…masculine, contrasting with the girl's youthful innocence. Editor: That’s interesting, given that Marie Burroughs was actually a very popular actress at the time, perhaps an idol, and therefore this image makes part of a larger narrative around commercial imagery featuring famous actresses, in this case connected to sailing. The symbolic weight of sailing during that period is fascinating – a sign of wealth, exploration, leisure. This print, therefore, is far more charged with meaning than a simple portrait. Curator: True, placing her image within the nautical frame subtly elevated the brand, associating it with status and adventure. But let's not forget the underlying marketing strategy. Tobacco companies often used collectible cards featuring actresses, athletes, and other popular figures. It’s about aspirational branding—buy our tobacco, associate yourself with fame and success. Editor: Beyond marketing, this imagery really taps into the zeitgeist. Consider the flag – a symbol not just of the New York Yacht Club but of American power, tied to notions of exploration and masculine courage, but even beauty ideals, since youth and grace get associated with strength through those icons. Curator: The colors also contribute to this message: The use of red, white, and blue, and gold emphasizes the prestige being communicated to potential buyers. Even in the details—the small olive branch by the flag is a visual hint that also symbolizes peace. Editor: Absolutely. It creates a subtle but powerful feeling: by engaging with this image and what it evokes, buyers symbolically align themselves with those very aspirations. An intersection of cultural symbols designed for aspiration. Curator: Well, regardless of what motivated this commission, analyzing this piece reveals a fascinating interplay of symbolism, celebrity culture, and early advertising tactics. Editor: Indeed, uncovering the many meanings behind the symbols in a single commercial print truly reveals a rich and compelling tapestry.