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

This small photograph of Florence Baker is part of the “Actresses” series, produced by the cigarette company Wm. S. Kimball & Co. These cards were collected and traded, offering a window into the popular culture and societal values of the late 19th century. What’s striking is how Baker’s representation is entwined with commerce and the male gaze. Actresses, like Baker, were among the first women to gain public recognition outside the domestic sphere. This new visibility was often double-edged; while it offered opportunities, it also subjected them to intense scrutiny and objectification. Baker’s pose and costume, while seemingly classical, also speak to the performative aspects of femininity and the construction of identity. The image exists in a complex space where art, entertainment, and commercial interests converge, revealing the intricate ways in which women's identities were shaped and marketed during this period. It invites us to reflect on the historical commodification of women.