Mrs. James Brown Potter, from the Actors and Actresses series (N171) for Gypsy Queen Cigarettes 1886 - 1890

This is a promotional cigarette card of Mrs. James Brown Potter, produced by Goodwin & Company as part of the Actors and Actresses series. These cards were inserted into packs of Gypsy Queen Cigarettes in the late 19th century, reflecting the intertwined relationship between commerce, celebrity, and cultural values. Mrs. Potter was an American stage actress and socialite. This image captures the theatrical world she inhabited, but also alludes to the limited roles women had in society. Actresses like Mrs. Potter challenged these limitations, using their visibility to gain economic independence and question traditional gender roles. The card's existence also speaks to the culture of collecting and commodifying images of women at the time. It invites us to consider the societal pressures and expectations placed on women, while also hinting at the potential for agency and self-expression within those constraints.