Mlle. Alpho, from the Actors and Actresses series (N45, Type 8) for Virginia Brights Cigarettes 1885 - 1891

This is a promotional cigarette card of Mlle. Alpho, an actress, made by Allen & Ginter. These cards were inserted into cigarette packs as a marketing tactic, but they also offer us a glimpse into the cultural values and anxieties of the late 19th century. Consider the role of women like Mlle. Alpho, who were both celebrated and scrutinized in the public sphere. The image presents her as an object of beauty and desire, but it also hints at the constraints placed on women in that era. Actresses occupied a precarious position, often admired for their talent but also vulnerable to social stigma. The circulation of these cards contributed to the construction of celebrity culture. The delicate nature of the card, now faded with time, evokes a sense of nostalgia for a bygone era, while also reminding us of the transient nature of fame and beauty.