Card 821, Lillie Grub, from the Actors and Actresses series (N45, Type 2) for Virginia Brights Cigarettes 1885 - 1891

This is a trade card of Lillie Grub from the Actors and Actresses series, made in the late 19th century by Allen & Ginter for Virginia Brights Cigarettes. These cards were collected and traded, offering a glimpse into the popular culture of the time. Lillie Grub, like other actresses featured, became a commodity, her image used to sell cigarettes. This commodification speaks to the limited roles available to women in the late 1800s, where visibility often came at the cost of being an object of consumption. The card reminds us of the transient nature of fame and the complex ways in which identity is constructed and consumed within the entertainment industry. It invites us to reflect on the historical context of performance and the representation of women, while also acknowledging the personal aspirations and experiences of those, like Lillie Grub, who navigated these complex dynamics.