Mlle. Demeale, from the Actors and Actresses series (N45, Type 8) for Virginia Brights Cigarettes 1885 - 1891

This is a trade card of Mlle. Demeale, from the Actors and Actresses series by Allen & Ginter. The sepia tones give this small card a nostalgic air, emphasizing the performative nature of the subject. Note how the composition guides our eyes: the diagonal placement of the figure, with the light source highlighting her face, creates an intimate engagement. There's a tension here between the traditional portrait and the commercial purpose of the card. The actress’s gaze and gesture invite the viewer to admire her while subtly promoting Virginia Brights Cigarettes. Consider also the semiotic implications of the image. The theatrical costume, the careful pose, the stylized makeup—each element is a signifier. The actress embodies a complex interplay of performance and identity, reflecting the blurring lines between public image and private self. This piece destabilizes fixed notions of identity, offering a glimpse into how performance can challenge societal expectations.