Mlle. Jager, from the Actresses series (N203) issued by Wm. S. Kimball & Co. 1889

This is a photograph of Mlle Jager, an actress, produced by Wm. S. Kimball & Co. as part of a series of promotional cigarette cards. Produced in the United States, these cards existed in a complex social and economic context. Firstly, we see the rise of consumer culture and mass marketing. Cigarette companies used these cards to promote their brands, capitalizing on the growing popularity of tobacco. Secondly, the image itself speaks to the cultural status of actresses in the late 19th century. As public figures, actresses were both celebrated and scrutinized, their images widely circulated and consumed. In this context, Mlle. Jager's self-assured pose, coupled with the association of her image with a commercial product, tells us much about the public role of women in that era. The image also reflects the institutional history of photography. While the camera was becoming more accessible, photographic studios still held a certain authority in shaping public images. Careful archival research into the Kimball company and the career of Mlle. Jager can help us better understand the social forces at play in this image.