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

This card featuring Johnstone Bennet was produced by Allen & Ginter for Virginia Brights Cigarettes. It belongs to a series showcasing actors and actresses, reflecting a time when celebrity endorsements were gaining traction. Consider the context: late 19th-century America, witnessing the rise of consumer culture and mass media. Cigarette cards like these were not just advertising; they offered glimpses into the glamorous world of theater and fame. The image itself, though seemingly simple, speaks volumes about societal values. Bennet, dressed in what appears to be menswear, challenges conventional gender norms. In doing so, she reflects shifting attitudes towards women and their roles in public life during this era. To truly understand this card, we delve into theater history, gender studies, and advertising archives. Only then can we grasp its significance as a cultural artifact. The meaning of this modest card is rooted in the social and institutional context of its time.