Collection Highlights
John Singer Sargent (1856-1925), Seen from the Back, Seated at an Easel and Holding a Palette
1875
1935.85.2.83
Graphite on ivory paper, formerly mounted on a page of Album 2
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Museum Collections
Luce Center
The Elite Conversation Cards
Title
The Elite Conversation Cards
Object name
Card game
Date
1887
Medium
Cardboard, paper
Dimensions
box: 7/8 x 3 1/2 x 4 7/8 in. ( 2.2 x 8.9 x 12.4 cm )
Description
"The Elite Conversation Cards" card game with 48 playing cards in a paper covered cardboard box; box cover lithographed with a polychrome image of a two cupids gathering flowers; box cover inscribed, "ThE/ ELITE/ SOCIAL & SENTIMENTAL/ CONVERSATION/ CARDS/ McLOUGHLIN BROS, N.Y."; playing cards printed with suggestive questions and answers on each side of the card such as "Do you think one true love enough?" and "My conscience rests easy on that score."
Credit Line
The Liman Collection
Object Number
2000.558
Marks
lithographed: on the box cover: "ThE/ ELITE/ SOCIAL & SENTIMENTAL/ CONVERSATION/ CARDS/ McLOUGHLIN BROS, N.Y."
Gallery Label
Courting couples uncomfortable with romantic conversation could break the ice with conversation cards, which contained humorous, flirtatious questions and answers. McLoughlin Brothers promoted the cards by claiming: "to bashful people they are a great blessing, not only furnishing an hour's amusement, but sometimes leading them to the gates of matrimony."
Due to ongoing research, information about this object is subject to change.
