Miss Raymond, from the Actors and Actresses series (N45, Type 8) for Virginia Brights Cigarettes 1885 - 1891

"Miss Raymond", from the Actors and Actresses series was made by Allen & Ginter, it's a printed card that was originally packaged with Virginia Brights Cigarettes. These cards, popular in the late 19th century, offer a fascinating glimpse into the cult of celebrity and the commodification of image during this period. This image of Miss Raymond, like others in the series, was designed to be collected and traded, fueling desires and fantasies. The cards blur the boundaries between public and private, art and advertisement. As such, we might consider how images like this perpetuated ideals of beauty and femininity. Miss Raymond, with her demure pose and delicate flowers, embodies a particular vision of womanhood. But what agency did she have in crafting this image? How did it align or conflict with her own sense of self? Consider this image as a microcosm of broader societal expectations and how deeply interwoven identity, commerce, and representation can become.