Plate 6, from the Fans of the Period series (N7) for Allen & Ginter Cigarettes Brands 1889

Plate 6 from the “Fans of the Period” series was created by Allen & Ginter Cigarettes as trade cards inserted into cigarette packs. These cards emerged from the rise of consumer culture, reflecting a society where commerce and art became entwined. The woman depicted embodies an ideal of feminine beauty of the time: pale skin, delicate features, and an elaborate updo. Her dress and accessories reflect the fashion of wealthy women. What is particularly interesting is the fan. It hides part of her face, while simultaneously acting as a cultural object that could be used to communicate nuanced messages. The emotional impact of this image lies in the tension between visibility and concealment, as the fan suggests both display and privacy. By referencing historical aesthetics, the card invites us to consider how images of femininity have been crafted and circulated across different eras.