Portrait, from the Women's Portraits series (N198) issued by Wm. S. Kimball & Co. 1889

This is a portrait from the Women’s Portraits series, produced by Wm. S. Kimball & Co. in the late 19th century. These cards were originally inserted in packages of cigarettes as collectible items, reflecting the emerging commercial culture of the time. This portrait, like others in the series, offers insight into the representation of women in the late 19th century. The woman is depicted with an ideal of beauty: soft features, elegant attire, and a composed demeanor. It is a celebration of white, middle-class femininity, which was in contrast to the realities of many women at the time. The anonymity of the sitter is striking; she is presented as a type rather than an individual. In the absence of personal details, the portrait invites us to consider the societal roles and expectations imposed on women. The artwork serves as a reminder of the complex interplay between individual identity and cultural representation. What do you see in the woman's eyes?