Marie Jansen, Erminie Co., from the Actors and Actresses series (N45, Type 6) for Virginia Brights Cigarettes 1885 - 1891

This is a carte-de-visite, a calling card, made by Allen & Ginter to advertise Virginia Brights Cigarettes. It features Marie Jansen of the Erminie Co. Cards like this were immensely popular in the late 19th century. They offer a glimpse into the commodification of celebrity and the marketing strategies that shaped consumer culture. Jansen was a performer, and this card captures the complex intersection of entertainment, advertising, and gendered expectations. The image presents her as both an idealized figure and a product endorsement, reflecting the contradictory roles women occupied in the public sphere. Jansen's confident pose and gaze challenge conventional representations of femininity, asserting her agency within a male-dominated industry. This card invites us to reflect on the historical dynamics of fame, consumerism, and the ongoing negotiation of identity in popular culture. It encourages us to consider the power of images in shaping perceptions and desires, as well as the personal stories behind these seemingly simple objects.