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

Curator: This is "Edith Kingdon, from the Actors and Actresses series," created between 1885 and 1891 by Allen & Ginter. It’s an albumen print, originally a small card inserted into packs of Virginia Brights Cigarettes. Editor: The first thing that strikes me is her gaze – so upward, almost yearning. It conveys a real sense of aspiration, or perhaps even defiance. Curator: It’s interesting to consider these images, initially commercial in nature, as potent conveyors of social ideals and representations of women in the late 19th century. Edith Kingdon was a prominent stage actress of the era. How did images like these influence, or reflect, ideas of female success and beauty? Editor: The headwear is fascinating. It isn't merely decorative; the fez-like shape may allude to orientalism and exoticism, both prominent features in theater and art during the late 19th century, adding to a feeling of mystique around stage actresses like her. The hat and upwards glance remind me of representations of lady liberty, or at least, women finding greater agency and power during this time. Curator: And it’s worth noting how her image, initially used to sell cigarettes, became entangled with the idea of celebrity. Her likeness was mass-produced and consumed, contributing to her fame and cementing her status. It almost forces you to ask - what narratives were attached to actresses? What expectations did audiences have? What power dynamic was at play between actress, audience, and these types of ephemeral objects? Editor: Absolutely. Also, as a photographic print, the textures seem subdued. This muted effect softens the image, contributing to the dreamlike quality. These ephemeral photographic textures are worth studying as social communication - the hazy sepia tones are imbued with melancholy and beauty. I imagine people collecting the entire series in pursuit of all the faces. Curator: Indeed. The very act of collecting, trading, and possessing these cards became a social activity, interwoven with both personal and cultural values. Thank you. Editor: Thank you for bringing this actress to life again with historical and theoretical insights!