Fannie Batchelder, from the Actors and Actresses series (N45, Type 1) for Virginia Brights Cigarettes 1885 - 1891

This card featuring Fannie Batchelder was made by Allen & Ginter for Virginia Brights Cigarettes. It’s part of a series from the late 19th century when tobacco companies used images of actors and actresses to market their products. Cards like these offer a glimpse into the cultural values of the Gilded Age. The image presents Fannie Batchelder in a way that conforms to late Victorian ideals of beauty and femininity: an elaborate hat, cinched waist and demure gaze. The commodification of actresses’ images reflects the growing celebrity culture and its use in advertising. This was a time when traditional notions of art were being challenged by commercial interests and new forms of mass media. Delving into the history of popular entertainment, advertising, and the emerging role of women in public life helps us to better understand this image. By studying such sources, we can uncover the complex social and cultural forces that shaped the art of the time.