Zelia de Lussan, from the Actors and Actresses series (N171) for Gypsy Queen Cigarettes 1886 - 1890

This is a Goodwin & Company promotional trading card of opera singer Zelia de Lussan. These cards were included in packs of Gypsy Queen Cigarettes. Mass production of such cards occurred from the late 19th to the early 20th century. Cards like these reflected the increasing commercialization of culture, where celebrities, like de Lussan, were used to market products. De Lussan was an American opera singer of mixed European heritage, celebrated for her performances in roles like Carmen. This card, part of a series featuring actors and actresses, speaks to the cultural fascination with performers and the blurring of lines between art and commerce. The card also reflects gendered expectations, as women were often objectified and used as decorative figures in advertising. Consider the emotional impact on de Lussan. Did she embrace her role in popular culture, or did it feel exploitative? This card serves as a reminder of how cultural artifacts can embody complex social dynamics.