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

This is a trade card of May Burdell from the Actors and Actresses series for Virginia Brights Cigarettes, made by Allen & Ginter around the late 19th century. These cards, popular in the late 1800s, were essentially advertisements, tucked into cigarette packs to stiffen them and entice consumers. But what's fascinating is the image itself. Here, Burdell is depicted in what seems to be a military-inspired costume, challenging conventional gender roles. This cross-dressing imagery was part of a broader cultural fascination during the late Victorian era when the boundaries of gender expression were being tested, particularly on the stage. The theater, like other public-facing institutions, played a crucial role in shaping and reflecting social norms. To understand the card better, delving into theatre history, gender studies, and advertisement history can reveal much more about the social context of this particular image. The meaning of this card is thus contingent on its moment.