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

Editor: This is "De Morewil, from the Actors and Actresses series," dating from 1885 to 1891. It’s a photography print produced by Allen & Ginter. What immediately strikes me is the overt display, an expression of the late 19th century ideals. What else do you see in this photograph? Curator: I see a confluence of societal values and performance. The cigarette card itself signifies an era obsessed with celebrity and consumption, capturing a performative ideal of womanhood for popular appeal. The pose, the costume – it all contributes to a symbolic representation. Consider the ribbons – what feelings might they evoke? Editor: They suggest a restrained sensuality, maybe a carefully managed exposure. Curator: Precisely. The “toned paper,” adds to this, obscuring reality just enough. It evokes a cultural memory of theatrical heroines and their complex positions within society. The overt display invites viewers to assess and judge, mirroring societal constraints on women at that time. What tensions do you perceive between the actress's agency and how she is represented? Editor: It is as though she is daring you to look, a challenge embedded in the pose itself, while the accoutrements attempt to maintain boundaries. It reflects both display and restriction, a constant performance of identity. Curator: Absolutely, the visual components merge with collective memory. So this image functions as a fascinating encapsulation of a very specific moment. What a fantastic exploration! Editor: It really does! It’s amazing how a simple image can hold so much complexity about culture, visibility and how women had to present themselves.