Miss Bepoix, from the Actresses series (N203) issued by Wm. S. Kimball & Co. 1889

This is Miss Bepoix, from the Actresses series, a tiny paper card issued by the cigarette company, Wm. S. Kimball & Co. These cards offer a fascinating glimpse into the social and economic landscape of the late 19th century United States, and tell us a lot about the cultural power of celebrity. The mass production of such images coincided with the rise of consumer culture, and the burgeoning advertising industry. Actresses, like Miss Bepoix, were among the first celebrities, and their images were used to promote a variety of products. The photograph itself presents Miss Bepoix as an object of admiration and desire. As a historian, I am interested in understanding how the image creates meaning, and how it reflects the social norms of its time. Primary sources, such as newspapers, magazines, and theater programs, can provide valuable insights into the lives and careers of actresses like Miss Bepoix.