May Adams, from the Actors and Actresses series (N45, Type 3) for Virginia Brights Cigarettes 1885 - 1891

Editor: This is "May Adams, from the Actors and Actresses series," created by Allen & Ginter between 1885 and 1891, combining photography, drawing, and print techniques. It looks like a baseball card almost, and she seems so serious, gazing off in the distance. What can you tell me about this piece? Curator: It's fascinating how this small portrait encapsulates a larger narrative about celebrity and consumer culture at the time. These cards were essentially advertisements, transforming actresses into readily accessible commodities. Does her expression suggest anything to you? Editor: Well, like I said, she looks serious, distant maybe. Perhaps a little sad? Curator: Consider the conventions of portraiture in that era. A slightly melancholic expression was often favoured as conveying depth and intelligence. It's less about sadness, perhaps, and more about conveying a certain persona that resonated with the public. What’s the cultural impact? Editor: So, it's not just a pretty face, but a constructed image meant to sell a product and reflect aspirations. A signifier! Curator: Precisely! And note the series' title – "Actors and Actresses." These images blur the line between the performer and their role, between reality and illusion. This created celebrity—projecting something accessible, aspirational, or admirable. How does this influence what it feels like to hold celebrity in your hand as an advertisement? Editor: I hadn’t thought of it that way. It makes the portrait much more complex than just a picture of someone. It becomes an object loaded with cultural meaning. Curator: Yes, and understanding the visual symbols within popular culture gives us invaluable insights into collective values. Editor: It’s interesting to consider the psychological power an image can hold and how it gets reused over time. Thanks!