Card 1018, Kathryn Kidder, from the Actors and Actresses series (N45, Type 2) for Virginia Brights Cigarettes 1885 - 1891

This is Card 1018, Kathryn Kidder, from the Actors and Actresses series, created by Allen & Ginter for Virginia Brights Cigarettes. These cards were very popular in the late 19th century. This card, like others in the series, offers us a glimpse into the cultural values and social hierarchies of the time. Kathryn Kidder, a white actress, is presented here as a figure of beauty and refinement, wrapped in furs. This kind of imagery reinforced a specific ideal of womanhood, one that was largely inaccessible to women of color and those of lower socioeconomic status. These cards were not just innocent collectibles; they were part of a larger system of advertising that promoted both consumerism and certain social ideals. The emotional connection people formed with these images reveals the power of representation in shaping perceptions and aspirations. Today, we can look at this card and see not just a portrait of an actress, but a reflection of the complex ways in which identity, commerce, and cultural values intersect.