Marie Janson, Erminie Co., from the Actors and Actresses series (N45, Type 1) for Virginia Brights Cigarettes 1885 - 1891

This late 19th-century photograph of Marie Janson of the Erminie Co. was made by Allen & Ginter as a promotional card for Virginia Brights Cigarettes. These cards were not simply advertisements; they were cultural artifacts that reflected and reinforced the social values of the Gilded Age. The fact that a cigarette company used the image of an actress, Marie Janson, tells us something about the evolving role of women in the public sphere at that time. Actresses, though admired, occupied a precarious place in society, and their images were often used to sell products, blurring the lines between celebrity, commerce, and social status. This particular card, like others in the series, highlights the growing consumer culture where even personal identity could be commodified. To understand this image, it's important to look at the historical context in which it was produced. Resources like trade journals, theater programs, and social registers can give insights into the celebrity culture of the time and the evolving roles of women in society.