Ann Haviland, featured on this postcard, was photographed by Jessie Tarbox Beals (1870–1942) sometime between 1915-1928. The postcard commemorates the exhibition Women's Work, on view July 21, 2023 - July 7, 2024
This postcard depicts Ann Haviland, (c1878-1958) known as the "Poetess of Perfume," as photographed by Jessie Tarbox Beals (1870-1942) sometime between 1915 and 1928. Ann Haviland (d. 1958) made her name as a professional perfumer. Initially creating luxurious personalized fragrances, Haviland also offered room fragrances, gave interviews advising on ways to wear perfume, and ultimately launched a mainstream fragrance business. Haviland marketed herself as both a scientist and an artist, partnering with early film actresses and dispensing lifestyle advice in fashion magazines.
Beals photographed perfumer Ann Haviland surrounded by the tools of her trade, indicating her professional status. Beals, who won her first camera in 1888 as a premium for selling magazine subscriptions, often did the same, including her own equipment in many self-portraits to claim her status as a professional photojournalist. As she wrote in 1904, all a woman needed to succeed in the field was "health and strength, a fair photographic outfit, and the ability to hustle, which is the most necessary qualification."
The Center for Women’s History new exhibition showcases approximately 45 objects from New-York Historical’s own Museum and Library collections to demonstrate how “women’s work” defies categorization. Curated by the Center for Women’s History curatorial staff and fellows.
