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

This is Ilma Converse, from the Actors and Actresses series made by Allen and Ginter for Virginia Brights Cigarettes. These cards were popular in the late 19th century, reflecting the Victorian era's fascination with celebrity and performance. Ilma Converse, posed in what appears to be a theatrical costume, offers a glimpse into the complex dynamics of gender and representation in the entertainment industry. This card was a consumer good aimed at male smokers. The series captured the charisma of performers but also contributed to the commodification of their image. Consider the implications of Converse being packaged and sold alongside cigarettes: How does this affect her identity as a woman, an actress, a public figure? In what ways does the commercial context shape our understanding of her performance and persona? This image prompts us to consider the layers of meaning embedded in the circulation and consumption of images.