Mlle. Stella, Paris, from the Actors and Actresses series (N171) for Old Judge Cigarettes 1886 - 1890

Curator: Here we have "Mlle. Stella, Paris," one in a series of actor and actress portraits produced by Goodwin & Company for Old Judge Cigarettes, dating from around 1886 to 1890. Editor: There’s a definite nostalgic charm here. The sepia tone, the woman's slightly dreamy expression...it all evokes a certain turn-of-the-century melancholy. And such a strange composition – she seems caught between worlds, almost a figure from a faded dream. Curator: The formal elements are indeed fascinating. Note the sharp contrast between the sitter's delicate features and the stark geometry of the faux-stone balustrade. Observe too, the strategic use of light; it sculpts the form, directing the gaze upwards, towards the subject’s face. Editor: And that costume, a theatrical creation! The single star at the neck is striking, a symbol of her stage presence, and her connection to performance, even perhaps hinting at the performative aspect of identity. The eye is drawn, too, by that sharp triangular peak at her waistline: an upside down heart that suggests her persona, more than just her person. Curator: One cannot ignore the commodification implicit in its origin as a cigarette card. The portrait flattens to become an image, disseminated widely, losing some aura to facilitate widespread availability. That such intimate detail is present is quite compelling when one sees the overall artistic process at work here. Editor: Precisely! The card functions, on one level, as a portal, bridging everyday life and the world of Parisian performers. What's interesting to consider is, how does that bleed through the representation? Is the card’s design inviting us to consider our role, not just as a smoker but also as audience? And where is the border? Are we viewing something of substance or simply inhaling smoke and mirrors? Curator: The balance between artistic representation and commercial intention in "Mlle. Stella" reveals the complex, ever-shifting role that art occupies in culture. Editor: An interesting intersection of identity and market. A window onto the hopes, and fashions, of a bygone era, literally sold to us in a puff of smoke.