Plate 16, from the Fans of the Period series (N7) for Allen & Ginter Cigarettes Brands 1889

Plate 16 from the Fans of the Period series was designed for Allen & Ginter Cigarettes, Richmond, Virginia, as a commercial collectible. These cards, produced in the late 19th century, are fascinating cultural artifacts. More than mere advertisements, they reflect the aspirations and social norms of the Gilded Age. This particular card presents an idealized image of a woman, her fan serving as a symbol of refinement and social status. The series itself, by focusing on fans, speaks to the era's fascination with etiquette and display. What can we learn from the imagery? The woman's pose, clothing, and accessories signify wealth and leisure. The very act of collecting these cards speaks to the rise of consumer culture and the growing importance of branding. How did institutions like tobacco companies shape the production and reception of such imagery? Were these images simply reflecting existing social hierarchies, or were they actively reinforcing them? To understand this card fully, one might delve into the history of advertising, the social rituals surrounding tobacco consumption, and the cultural significance of fashion in the late 19th century.