M'lle Couralet, from the Actors and Actresses series (N45, Type 8) for Virginia Brights Cigarettes 1885 - 1891

This is a promotional trade card of M'lle Couralet, made by Allen & Ginter for Virginia Brights Cigarettes. These cards emerged in a late 19th century America marked by industrial growth, shifting social norms, and new forms of mass media. The series, "Actors and Actresses" signals a growing fascination with celebrity culture. As we examine this particular card, it’s impossible not to consider how gender and performance intersect. Couralet is presented in what appears to be a theatrical costume, inviting questions about the construction of identity. These cards were not merely advertisements; they offered a glimpse into a world of entertainment and aspiration. They captured the zeitgeist of an era grappling with rapid change, offering both escape and a reflection of evolving social values.