Lydie Borel, Paris, from the Actors and Actresses series (N45, Type 1) for Virginia Brights Cigarettes 1885 - 1891

Allen & Ginter created this small card, "Lydie Borel, Paris," as part of a series of actors and actresses to be sold with Virginia Brights Cigarettes. It’s a window into the world of entertainment and advertising in the late 19th century. Cards like these placed performers like Lydie Borel into the hands of consumers, creating a kind of celebrity culture. Note that the image isn't just a portrait; it’s a carefully constructed persona. Borel is depicted with a glass raised, her costume and makeup designed to appeal to the male gaze and to embody the allure of Parisian nightlife. These cards reflect and shape societal attitudes towards women, performance, and consumerism. While seemingly innocent, these images reinforced gender roles and objectified women as commodities, linking them to products like cigarettes. This card is a reminder of how deeply ingrained these issues are in our cultural history.