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

This is a photograph of Sidony Roman from the "Actresses" series, distributed by Wm. S. Kimball & Co. as a cigarette card. These cards, popular in the late 19th century, offer a fascinating window into the cultural values of the time. Mass-produced images like these helped shape public perceptions of beauty, celebrity, and femininity, particularly through the burgeoning entertainment industry. The fact that this image was distributed by a tobacco company speaks to the close links between advertising, leisure, and the commodification of public figures. Sidony Roman, like other actresses featured on these cards, becomes a symbol of both glamour and accessibility, someone whose image could be collected and consumed by the public. Understanding the social history of these images requires us to consider the rise of mass media, the changing role of women in society, and the evolving relationship between commerce and culture. Resources like trade journals, company records, and social commentaries of the period, all help to illuminate the complex web of meanings embedded within these seemingly simple cards.