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

This is Lizzie Harold, from the Actors and Actresses series, a lithograph card created by Allen & Ginter for Virginia Brights Cigarettes. Part of a series that capitalized on the popularity of actresses, this image places Lizzie within the cultural context of celebrity and consumerism. The late 19th century saw the rise of mass media and advertising, where actresses became figures of desire, used to sell everything from theatre tickets to cigarettes. This image of Lizzie challenges traditional representations of women as passive objects. She is self-assured, dressed in what appears to be athletic attire, leaning casually against a prop. Consider the power dynamics at play. As an actress, Lizzie was subject to public scrutiny, her image commodified for commercial gain. Yet, she was also a performer, actively shaping her persona and engaging with her audience. These cards provided a form of visibility, but one that was mediated by the male gaze and the interests of the tobacco industry. This image reflects the complex negotiations of identity and representation in a rapidly changing society.