Elfina, from the Ballet Queens series (N182) issued by Wm. S. Kimball & Co. 1889

This small lithograph of ‘Elfina’ was created by William S. Kimball & Co. as part of a series of ‘Ballet Queens.’ These cards were included in the company’s brand of cigarettes. The image gives us an insight into the commodification of entertainment and the changing role of women in the late 19th century. The card presents Elfina, a dancer, in a costume that both reveals and conceals, indicative of the period’s complex attitudes towards female performers. The inclusion of such cards in cigarette packs speaks to a broader cultural trend of associating glamour and artistry with everyday consumer goods. But beyond simple advertising, the ‘Ballet Queens’ series also touches on the burgeoning celebrity culture and the increasing public interest in the performing arts. For a deeper understanding, consulting theater programs, newspapers, and advertising archives from that period would be invaluable. These sources help us to understand how institutions and commercial entities shaped perceptions and the status of female performers.