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

This is a trade card from the late 19th century, produced by the Wm. S. Kimball & Company as part of their "Actresses" series to promote cigarettes. These cards offer a fascinating glimpse into the cultural landscape of the time. They were designed to appeal to a broad audience, using images of popular actresses to create a sense of glamour and aspiration. Note how the image creates meaning through visual codes, cultural references, and historical associations. The actress is depicted in theatrical costume, hinting at the performative nature of identity and the increasing visibility of women in the public sphere. In order to fully understand this image, we can research the history of advertising, the social role of actresses, and the cultural norms around gender and sexuality in late 19th-century America. By examining these sources, we can gain a deeper appreciation of the complex social and institutional forces that shaped this seemingly simple trade card.