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

This small card featuring Jennie Wethersby was printed by Allen and Ginter as part of a series of promotional trading cards for Virginia Brights Cigarettes. The late 19th century saw a surge in the popularity of collecting these cards, particularly those featuring actors, actresses, and other public figures. These cards offer a fascinating glimpse into the representation of women in the public eye during that time. Wethersby, adorned in what appears to be a theatrical costume, embodies a constructed persona, carefully curated for the male gaze. The line between her personal identity and her public image as a performer becomes blurred. Consider the implications of associating female performers with tobacco products, a commodity often marketed with images of masculinity and freedom. These trading cards, mass-produced and widely circulated, reflect and perpetuate societal attitudes towards women, commodifying their image for commercial gain.