Carrie Behr, Corsair Co., from the Actors and Actresses series (N45, Type 6) for Virginia Brights Cigarettes 1885 - 1891

Allen & Ginter created this card, titled 'Carrie Behr, Corsair Co.', to be included in packs of Virginia Brights Cigarettes. These cards were immensely popular at the time. The image captures Carrie Behr, an actress, in her theatrical attire, meant to entice consumers, primarily men, to purchase cigarettes. The practice reveals much about gender and commerce at the time. Women's images were used to sell products, yet their roles in society were often limited. Here, Behr is both a subject of admiration and a commodity. Consider the duality of Behr’s position. As an actress, she embodies a profession that allows her a public voice, yet through the card she is also subjected to the male gaze and commercial interests. This tension between agency and objectification reflects the complex negotiation of women's identities in the late 19th century. This seemingly simple card serves as a window into the cultural dynamics of its time, illustrating how identity, representation, and consumerism intersect.