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

This is a lithograph of Miss Olivia from the Actresses series, produced by Wm. S. Kimball & Co. The composition centres on Miss Olivia. The image is a sepia tone, giving it a warm, aged quality. The delicate lace of her dress contrasts with the soft, muted background, creating a subtle play of textures. The lines are soft, focusing on the textures of fabric and hair. The use of lithography, a commercial printing technique, introduces interesting questions about the commodification of beauty and celebrity at the time. Semiotically, the actress's gaze, directed slightly off-center, suggests a self-awareness, challenging the viewer's passive consumption of her image. The image is a trade card, and speaks to the construction of identity in an era defined by mass production. Note the subtle curve of her arm and the intricate detail of her hairstyle. These formal choices not only capture her likeness but also invite a deeper contemplation of the codes and conventions that shape our perception of beauty.