Laura Burt, from the Actors and Actresses series (N45, Type 6) for Virginia Brights Cigarettes 1885 - 1891

Editor: So, this is "Laura Burt, from the Actors and Actresses series," a photography print made by Allen & Ginter sometime between 1885 and 1891. She is dressed up in a sort of military costume. There is something theatrical, and playful about her gaze. How do you interpret the imagery at play? Curator: What strikes me is the semiotic density loaded into this image. Consider the actress in military garb—it is not strictly historical, but rather, it seems to allude to both masculine power and theatricality. What does that costuming choice communicate to the late 19th-century viewer? Is she a figure of strength? A caricature? A desirable fantasy? Editor: That is a really interesting point. The uniform seems deliberately softened, made feminine. The ruffles, the delicate chain she holds… so you’re suggesting that rather than strictly a portrayal of strength, it might be playing with gender roles and performance? Curator: Precisely. The very act of placing an actress within this context underscores the performative aspect of identity itself. We might consider the collective understanding of "femininity" that such imagery evokes. The symbols—the military dress, the playful yet direct gaze, the product endorsement printed below, all converge to construct a particular kind of celebrity. What remains of such a star after over a hundred years? Editor: Wow, it's amazing how much symbolism can be packed into something as simple as a cigarette card. The layering of identity—actress, woman, soldier, commodity—is so complex. Curator: Indeed. These seemingly ephemeral images offer invaluable insight into the cultural narratives of their time and hint to the staying power of icons. Editor: This has definitely given me a lot to consider regarding not just this piece, but all portraiture! Thanks so much!