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

This is a photograph of Miss Mamie, part of the Actresses series, distributed by Wm. S. Kimball & Co. as a cigarette card. These cards offer a window into the late 19th century, a period marked by evolving ideas around gender, performance, and celebrity. Actresses, like Miss Mamie, were public figures who challenged and sometimes reinforced societal norms through their stage personas. The fact that these images were included in cigarette packs speaks to the commodification of femininity and the growing consumer culture of the time. The image captures Mamie in character, adorned in a costume that hints at the theatrical roles she played. Note the emphasis on her dress and adornments, indicating a fascination with her physical appearance. These cards provide a glimpse into the complex interplay between identity, representation, and the commercialization of the entertainment industry.