Jeannette Crane, from the Actors and Actresses series (N45, Type 1) for Virginia Brights Cigarettes 1885 - 1891

Editor: This is Jeannette Crane from the "Actors and Actresses" series, printed sometime between 1885 and 1891. It's a collotype, included in cigarette packs. It has a really old-timey sepia tone and feels oddly intimate despite its small size. What do you see in this piece? Curator: This is a fascinating artifact that invites us to consider the confluence of celebrity culture, consumerism, and gender roles in the late 19th century. It isn’t just a portrait, but a carefully constructed image deployed to sell a product. Notice how Jeannette Crane, as a recognizable actress, becomes a symbol, a desirable figure linked to the Virginia Brights brand. Editor: So it's about more than just her likeness? Curator: Absolutely. The act of including her in a cigarette pack elevates both her and the product. Tobacco cards reinforced societal norms and often objectified women, portraying them as beautiful, passive figures intended for male consumption, both literally and figuratively. Do you notice any other visual elements that support this idea? Editor: Maybe the fact that she’s holding flowers, and her gaze seems almost coy? Curator: Precisely. These subtle cues reinforce a particular image of femininity, one that was prevalent in advertising and popular culture. Understanding the power dynamics at play during this time sheds light on how women were represented and consumed within a patriarchal society. Editor: That’s given me a lot to think about. I originally saw it as just a simple portrait. Curator: And now you see it as a loaded historical object. The layering of context gives an artwork its voice.