Miss Friedrich, from the Actors and Actresses series (N45, Type 8) for Virginia Brights Cigarettes 1885 - 1891

This small card featuring Miss Friedrich from the Actors and Actresses series was created by Allen & Ginter as a promotional item for Virginia Brights Cigarettes. These cards emerged during a period of rapid industrialization and urbanization, reflecting the rise of consumer culture and mass media. These cards served not only to promote tobacco sales, but also as a cultural artifact, offering glimpses into the popular entertainment and societal values of the late 19th century. Actresses like Miss Friedrich were among the celebrities of their day, their images circulated widely. What's striking is the performance of femininity within this context. Miss Friedrich is captured in a pose that suggests both allure and respectability, indicative of the complex negotiations women in the public eye had to navigate. This card encapsulates the intersection of commerce, entertainment, and identity, inviting us to reflect on the historical construction of celebrity. What can we learn from the stories of those who were both celebrated and commodified?