Miss Delorme, from the Actresses series (N203) issued by Wm. S. Kimball & Co. 1889

This is a promotional cigarette card of Miss Delorme, from the Actresses series, produced by Wm. S. Kimball & Co. These cards emerged during a time of shifting cultural attitudes towards women and entertainment. Actresses, like Miss Delorme, became public figures, their images widely circulated and consumed. This card participates in the commodification of the female image, reflecting broader societal trends of objectification and idealization. While seemingly celebratory, the image raises questions about the agency of women in the entertainment industry and the male gaze inherent in such representations. The image fosters an emotional connection to the actress, while simultaneously reducing her to a desirable commodity. Although these cards were meant for advertisement, today they prompt us to think about the evolving roles of women in society, and the complex dynamics between representation, identity, and commerce.