Miss B. Bertram, from the Actors and Actresses series (N145-8) issued by Duke Sons & Co. to promote Duke Cigarettes 1890 - 1895

Editor: Here we have "Miss B. Bertram," a photographic print from around 1890-1895, made by W. Duke, Sons & Co. The image feels very staged and almost theatrical to me, a bit like a publicity still. What do you see in it? Curator: Absolutely. It’s crucial to understand that these cards weren’t high art; they were marketing. Think about it: Duke Cigarettes using the image of an actress, Miss Bertram, to entice customers. It highlights the evolving role of women in public life and advertising during this period. Editor: So, you're saying the image is more about selling something than capturing Miss Bertram's essence? Curator: Precisely! These trade cards reflect the commercialization of imagery. The mass production of photographs allowed for widespread distribution, influencing societal perceptions and reinforcing particular ideals of beauty and celebrity. Editor: How does the institution, like the Met, holding this card, impact how we perceive its value today? Curator: It's fascinating. When the Met collects an object like this, it elevates its status. But we must remember its original purpose as a mass-produced item embedded in a complex socio-economic network. Museums shape cultural memory, and even a cigarette card tells us about commerce, performance, and the construction of identity. Editor: That’s a different way of thinking about it than just admiring a pretty picture. I see how this image operated in culture back then. Curator: Exactly. And thinking about its display today offers a unique opportunity to examine the relationship between art, commerce, and cultural values over time. It makes us consider the museum's role in all of this. Editor: This was an eye-opening exploration into how art and consumerism can intersect. Thank you!