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

This small photograph of Annie Somerville was produced by Allen & Ginter as part of a series of collectible cards included in Virginia Brights Cigarettes packs. Cards like these reflect the complex interplay of celebrity, consumption, and gender in the late 19th century. Somerville, an actress, is carefully posed. Her corset, jewelry, and elaborate hat underscore the performance of femininity expected of actresses, while her inclusion in a series designed to sell cigarettes highlights the commodification of her image. The Virginia Brights Cigarettes series played a role in shaping cultural ideals, but it also perpetuated a racial hierarchy. The actresses featured were almost exclusively white, reinforcing dominant beauty standards and obscuring the contributions of women of color in the entertainment industry. The photograph is a reminder of the often-overlooked labor and expectations placed on women, particularly in the entertainment industry. It prompts reflection on the choices women have made in the face of societal pressures.