Plate 31, from the Fans of the Period series (N7) for Allen & Ginter Cigarettes Brands 1889

"Plate 31" from the "Fans of the Period" series was made by Allen & Ginter for cigarette brands; these cards were products of the late 19th century when tobacco companies used them as promotional items. This image presents a woman adorned with a fan-like dress and floral headpiece, embodying the fashionable ideal of the Gilded Age. The series to which this card belongs, reflects the cultural norms and the evolving role of women in society, while simultaneously commodifying them. The woman's elaborate attire speaks to the increasing consumerism, and the emphasis on visual display and social status of the time. The presentation of women in these cards reflects the prevailing attitudes of the period, which often idealized women as objects of beauty and refinement while confining them to specific social roles. The card then, not only promoted cigarettes, but also perpetuated certain societal expectations and representations of women.