Miss Sauthetine, from the Actresses series (N203) issued by Wm. S. Kimball & Co. 1889

This is a photograph of Miss Sauthetine, from the Actresses series, a promotional item distributed by the Wm. S. Kimball & Co. cigarette company. These cards emerged during a period of burgeoning consumer culture, reflecting the growing popularity of both photography and tobacco. The image presents Miss Sauthetine in costume, striking a pose that exudes both confidence and theatricality. It invites us to consider the performance of identity, especially for women in the entertainment industry during this era. It reflects the complex dynamics of celebrity, where personal identity becomes intertwined with public image and commercial interests. Beyond the surface, the photograph reveals the era's attitudes toward women, beauty, and the stage. The actresses who were featured in these cigarette cards, became objects of admiration and desire. This piece invites us to reflect on the historical construction of femininity, and to consider the ways in which representations can both empower and objectify.