Miss Cary, from the Actresses series (N203) issued by Wm. S. Kimball & Co. 1889

This small photograph of Miss Cary is part of the "Actresses" series (N203) published by William S. Kimball & Co. These photographs circulated widely as trade cards included in cigarette packs. They were designed to promote brands by capitalizing on the popularity and allure of actresses during the late 19th century. The image captures Miss Cary in what was considered at the time, a suggestive pose, reclining on a fur throw with a cigarette in hand, challenging the era's conservative norms. Consider for a moment how such images both reflected and shaped cultural attitudes toward women, performance, and public image. These cards offered a glimpse into a world of glamour and entertainment, but also commodified the actresses' likenesses, turning them into objects of consumption and fantasy. While we might see in this an example of early advertising strategies, it also hints at larger issues of female representation and agency within the burgeoning media landscape.