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

This small card pictures Nellie Standish and comes from a series made by Allen & Ginter for Virginia Brights Cigarettes. This was an era when advertising was rapidly evolving, and the commodification of images, especially those of women, was becoming more prevalent. Standish stands with her hands on her hips, dressed in what seems to be a theatrical costume with a small sword attached to her waist. It’s hard to miss that what is being sold here isn't just cigarettes, but also a particular vision of femininity—one that's both assertive and ornamental. These images of actresses were immensely popular and offer a window into the complex negotiation of women’s roles in the public sphere during this period. Nellie Standish, like other actresses featured in similar series, occupied a space where traditional expectations of women intersected with the burgeoning opportunities of the entertainment industry. The image asks us to consider how these cards contributed to the construction and circulation of celebrity, and how they shaped perceptions of gender and performance.