M'lle Toine, from the Actors and Actresses series (N45, Type 1) for Virginia Brights Cigarettes 1885 - 1891

This is M'lle Toine, from the Actors and Actresses series, a lithograph created for Virginia Brights Cigarettes. These cards emerged in a historical period defined by the rise of consumer culture and the burgeoning advertising industry. Here, we see an actress, M’lle Toine, embodying a certain ideal of femininity that was considered appealing to consumers. Her clothing, which is reminiscent of a matador’s, presents an intriguing play with gender roles. How does the choice to depict her in what is traditionally considered masculine attire reflect the societal perceptions of women in the performing arts at the time? Consider the power dynamics at play. M'lle Toine's image is being used to sell cigarettes, commodifying her identity and image for commercial gain. It prompts us to think about the intersections of gender, performance, and consumerism, and to consider the gaze through which women in the public eye were viewed.