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

This small photograph of Mary Albert was produced by Wm. S. Kimball & Co., a cigarette manufacturer. These cards were inserted into cigarette packs in the late 19th century. These cards were part of a larger cultural phenomenon. Mass production and new printing technologies made images affordable and ubiquitous. Kimball's series depicting actresses reflects the increasing popularity of the stage, a popular form of entertainment but one that often faced moral scrutiny. Actresses, in particular, were figures of fascination. Were they independent women, or were they subject to the male gaze? Cards like these helped shape the public's perception. To truly understand this image, we would want to do more research. Trade publications and business records can tell us more about Kimball's marketing strategies. Theater archives might reveal more about Mary Albert's career. Through this kind of research, we see this card as more than just a pretty picture; it is a window into the social and cultural values of its time.