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

This is a photograph of Mary Severance, a portrait featured in the "Actors and Actresses" series by Allen & Ginter, printed on cigarette cards. These cards emerged in the late 19th century, a time when the burgeoning advertising industry latched onto the popularity of collecting. Here, Severance, a stage actress, is captured in a soft, romantic light. Her gentle gaze and delicate pose reflect the era’s ideals of feminine beauty. But there’s a complex interplay at work: the commodification of her image through tobacco sales contrasts with the artistry she brings to the stage. These cards not only promoted products but also democratized art, making images of performers accessible to a broader public. It’s a moment where commerce, celebrity, and identity converge, inviting us to reflect on the evolving role of women in public life and the mechanisms through which fame is manufactured and consumed. What does it mean to have your image used to sell cigarettes? What agency did she have in this transaction?