Pauline Hall, from the Actors and Actresses series (N45, Type 7) for Dixie Cigarettes 1885 - 1891

This is a portrait of Pauline Hall, created by Allen and Ginter as part of the Actors and Actresses series for Dixie Cigarettes. Made to be included in cigarette packs, these cards reflect the increasing commercialization and celebrity culture of the late 19th century. Hall, a celebrated performer in light opera, embodies the complex negotiation of femininity and fame. With her elaborate costume and poised demeanor, she fulfills the expectations of the era, yet hints at the emerging power and independence of women in the public sphere. Consider the intimate scale of this image, meant to be held and collected. How does it reflect the evolving relationship between performers and their audiences, as celebrity became a commodity? Hall's success allowed her to defy social norms, and carve out an identity within a rapidly changing world. This portrait captures a moment in her journey, inviting us to reflect on the personal and professional dimensions of her life.