Lena La Mont, from the Actresses series (N203) issued by Wm. S. Kimball & Co. 1889

This is a carte-de-visite of Lena La Mont from the “Actresses” series, printed by Wm. S. Kimball & Co. These cards emerged during a time of shifting social norms, reflecting both the growing commercialization of leisure and evolving attitudes towards women in public life. As you consider this image, remember that actresses like Lena were among the first women to achieve celebrity status. Often, they challenged conventional expectations of femininity by pursuing careers on the stage. The card situates Lena La Mont in the theater, an environment where she takes on the complex negotiation of visibility and agency. Her representation speaks to broader issues of gender, performance, and the commodification of the female image, offering insight into the cultural values and anxieties of the time. While cards like these helped actresses gain fame, they also confined them to particular roles that reflect society’s perceptions and expectations.