Clara Davenport/ Marion Blanchard/ Maud Waldemere, Corsair Co./ Laura Curtis, Corsair Co., from the Actors and Actresses series (N45, Type 4) for Virginia Brights Cigarettes 1885 - 1891

Editor: Here we have "Clara Davenport/ Marion Blanchard/ Maud Waldemere, Corsair Co./ Laura Curtis, Corsair Co., from the Actors and Actresses series (N45, Type 4) for Virginia Brights Cigarettes," created between 1885 and 1891, attributed to Allen & Ginter. It’s a collotype print – almost photographic, really. It feels very formal, like a Victorian calling card. What strikes you about this composite portrait? Curator: Oh, what a lovely ghost from the gilded age! To me, it whispers of ambition and spectacle. Can you imagine those actresses pasted onto cigarette cards? Smoke and celebrity. The arrangement is curious, isn't it? Four distinct personalities, yet unified, bound by commerce. It’s a bit like seeing four acts of a play, each woman offering a unique flavour of performance. Do you see how their costumes contribute to their character? Editor: Yes, one is adorned in an elaborate feathered hat, whilst another is shown seemingly preparing backstage. It is almost a backstage pass. They seem like very strong women, in terms of the performance but also their personalities. Curator: Indeed! Consider how their images were disseminated. Distributed with cigarettes, a daily commodity. These weren't just portraits; they were miniature emblems of fame, readily available and easily discarded. Fleeting celebrity… Makes you think, doesn’t it? Editor: It does. I initially saw it as simply a historical portrait card, but seeing the commentary about the distribution alongside the cigarettes gives me a slightly grimmer image. That feels very apt. Thank you.