Cameron, from World's Beauties, Series 2 (N27) for Allen & Ginter Cigarettes 1888

This chromolithograph of "Cameron" comes from a series called “World’s Beauties,” produced by Allen & Ginter Cigarettes. Here, the commercial and the aesthetic converge. Printed in Richmond, Virginia, this image reflects the marketing strategies of the late 19th century. Cigarette companies like Allen & Ginter sought to enhance their brand through collectible cards featuring actresses, singers, and dancers. The choice of portraying "beauties" speaks volumes about the era’s values and the emerging advertising industry. What does it mean to commodify beauty? How do such images shape perceptions of women and their roles in society? Historians might delve into archives of advertising ephemera to understand the circulation of these images and their impact on consumer culture. The Library of Congress also holds extensive collections of trade cards, providing valuable context for understanding the social and cultural dynamics at play in this seemingly simple cigarette card.