Card 841, Alice Atherton, from the Actors and Actresses series (N45, Type 7) for Dixie Cigarettes 1885 - 1891

This is a photograph of Alice Atherton, made by Allen & Ginter for Dixie Cigarettes as part of their Actors and Actresses series. These cards were inserted into cigarette packs, which reveals much about the cultural values of the time. The image of Alice Atherton, a popular performer, invites us to consider the intersections of celebrity, consumerism, and gender in the late 19th century. Actresses like Atherton were among the first celebrities whose images were widely circulated, creating a public fascination with their personal lives and stage personas. At the time the female body was both celebrated and scrutinized, creating an intense tension for female performers who had to navigate these contradictory expectations. Although these cards were designed as promotional items, they also reflect the evolving role of women in society. They offered a window into the lives of women who were pushing boundaries and challenging traditional gender roles through their visibility on stage. This photograph immortalizes Atherton, whose expression reflects the complex dynamics of fame and femininity in a rapidly changing world.