Miss Debay, from the Actresses series (N203) issued by Wm. S. Kimball & Co. 1889

This is a carte-de-visite of Miss Debay, an actress from the late 19th century, made by Wm. S. Kimball & Co. as part of a series of actresses included in cigarette packs. These cards provide insight into the commodification of celebrity and the evolving role of women in the public eye. Actresses, like Miss Debay, gained popularity through theatrical performances and were among the first celebrities. By including these images in cigarette packs, Kimball & Co. used their fame to market their product, embedding them in the daily lives of consumers. The image itself, with Miss Debay adorned in elaborate attire, reflects the glamour associated with the theater. The distribution of these cards speaks to broader socio-economic trends, such as the rise of consumer culture and the increasing visibility of women in the entertainment industry. Historians can consult theater records, biographies, and advertising archives to understand the context of these images. The meaning of art is always contingent on its social and institutional context.