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

Editor: Here we have "Fräulein Glaser, from the Actors and Actresses series" by Allen & Ginter, dating between 1885 and 1891. It's a print – a combination of etching and photography on paper, part of a cigarette card series. The actress's pose is rather striking. What historical narratives are embedded within this image? Curator: This image speaks volumes about the burgeoning commercialization of celebrity and the evolving role of women in the late 19th century. The fact that Fräulein Glaser's image was used to sell Virginia Brights Cigarettes shows the increasing power of advertising and how it intertwined with popular culture. Have you considered the social implications of portraying actresses in this manner? Editor: I see it as a form of early advertising, almost like a trading card. But placing her image on a cigarette card feels… transactional. Was it common to use actresses in advertising this way back then? Curator: Absolutely. This series, and others like it, played a significant role in shaping public perception. These cards not only promoted a product, but also disseminated ideals of beauty and success. Fräulein Glaser becomes both an individual and a symbol, packaged and consumed like the cigarettes themselves. The commodification of female image reflects a significant cultural shift during this period. Editor: So, it’s less about Fräulein Glaser herself, and more about what she represents in this era? A signifier for entertainment, aspiration, and a changing society? Curator: Precisely! The power dynamic here is complex. She gains visibility, but also becomes part of a capitalist machine. What does her gaze tell you, considering this context? Does she seem complicit, resistant, or something in between? Editor: It's a lot to unpack! It makes you think about the beginnings of celebrity culture and its impact on women’s roles, all compressed onto a tiny card. Curator: Exactly, and understanding this commercial context offers crucial insights into the wider social history of art.