Bessie Fitch, from the Actors and Actresses series (N171) for Gypsy Queen Cigarettes 1886 - 1890

Goodwin & Company created this small card as part of the "Actors and Actresses" series for Gypsy Queen Cigarettes in the late 19th century. These cards reflect an era where celebrity culture was on the rise, with actresses like Bessie Fitch gaining recognition beyond the stage. The series offers insight into the commodification of identity and the performance of gender in popular culture. Fitch's gaze, directed slightly upward, and her ornamented dress speak to the construction of femininity within the entertainment industry. Actresses navigated the tensions between public adoration and personal identity. These cards, distributed with tobacco products, blurred the lines between artistry, consumerism, and the societal expectations placed on women in the public eye. This card is a window into the complex interplay of fame, gender, and consumer culture at the turn of the century. It invites us to consider the ways in which images shape our perceptions and expectations of identity.