Hand mirror with woman wearing jewelled headpiece, from the Novelties series (N122) issued by Gail & Ax Tobacco to promote Navy Long Cut 1889

This is an advertisement issued by Gail & Ax Tobacco, part of their “Novelties” series. It depicts a woman gazing into a hand mirror. These cards were included in packages of Navy Long Cut tobacco, reflecting a time when advertising was becoming more sophisticated. Consider the cultural context of this image. The late 19th century saw the rise of consumer culture, and women were increasingly targeted in advertising. This card presents an idealized image of femininity, with the woman adorned in jewels and fine clothing. Yet, it also speaks to the commodification of beauty and identity, as women's images were used to sell tobacco products. What does it mean to see oneself reflected in such a highly constructed image? The mirror becomes a symbol of both vanity and societal expectations. It invites reflection on the complex relationship between identity, representation, and consumerism.