Miss Lillis, from the Actors and Actresses series (N145-7) issued by Duke Sons & Co. to promote Duke Cigarettes 1880s

Editor: So this is “Miss Lillis, from the Actors and Actresses series,” an 1880s print by W. Duke, Sons & Co., meant to promote Duke Cigarettes. There's something undeniably odd and humorous about this image. She’s smiling, holding a glass of something red while seated rather precariously atop an enormous penny-farthing! What do you make of it? Curator: Odd is definitely a starting point, isn’t it? Imagine this card nestled in a pack of cigarettes. It’s such a quirky clash – the seemingly refined scene of Miss Lillis with her wine versus the rather dangerous spectacle of a very high bicycle. To me, this card screams of the emerging ‘new woman’ archetype – a little daring, a little unconventional, certainly capturing attention. And, dare I say, designed to entice the male consumer of Duke cigarettes. Editor: New Woman, you say? Interesting. I hadn't considered the bicycle as a symbol of independence! Curator: It’s subtle, but consider the era. The bicycle granted women mobility and freedom in a way they hadn’t experienced before. It was quite the statement! Add that to her confident gaze, and I suspect that it all hints towards a message that "Duke Cigarettes are for the modern man, who appreciates the modern woman.” Of course, it is equally possible the intent was to titillate men who held more conservative beliefs. Do you find the use of sepia evokes the past effectively? Editor: Definitely. It lends a vintage feel that really enhances the sense of peering into a bygone era. Thanks, I had not really considered that, I was stuck thinking about her boots! I wonder where she got them. Curator: You are most welcome! Sometimes, it is best to begin with a thought and pursue its meaning.