Katie Uhart, from the Actors and Actresses series (N45, Type 1) for Virginia Brights Cigarettes 1885 - 1891

This is "Katie Uhart, from the Actors and Actresses series" made by Allen & Ginter, it's a promotional card for Virginia Brights Cigarettes. These cards, popular in the late 19th century, offer a fascinating glimpse into the cultural values and the construction of celebrity at the time. Here, Uhart is meticulously dressed, adorned in an elaborate feathered hat and beaded dress, emblematic of the era's fashion. Note how she is made to embody an ideal of femininity and success. These cards were not just about selling cigarettes; they were about selling dreams and aspirations. They put actresses like Uhart into the public imagination, shaping perceptions of beauty, talent, and fame. The commercial nature of this image brings up questions about exploitation and representation. We might ponder: How did Uhart, and women like her, navigate the male-dominated world of entertainment and advertising? The card captures a moment in time, filled with layers of social and personal meaning, offering a rich tableau of gender, commerce, and identity.