Plum, from the Fruits series (N12) for Allen & Ginter Cigarettes Brands 1891

"Plum," a chromolithograph from the "Fruits" series, was produced by Allen & Ginter for their cigarette brands. These cards were immensely popular in the late 19th century, reflecting a burgeoning consumer culture that intertwined pleasure with advertising. At first glance, it is just a sweet depiction of a young girl, perhaps embodying innocence. Yet, it's hard not to notice the undercurrent of idealized femininity which was part and parcel of the Victorian era. She is fair-skinned, and her dress and hat suggest a certain class status, reflecting the societal values of the time. The act of picking fruit, rendered in soft colors, seems harmless, but it also hints at themes of consumption. Consider how this image, seemingly simple, operated within a complex web of gender, class, and commerce. What does it mean to commodify an image of youthful innocence to sell a product? While seemingly traditional, this card also gestures toward the evolving roles of women in the public sphere. It leaves us to ponder the cultural narratives we consume, both then and now.