Blanche Roosevelt, from World's Beauties, Series 2 (N27) for Allen & Ginter Cigarettes 1888

This chromolithograph of Blanche Roosevelt was made by Allen & Ginter, a cigarette company, as part of their "World's Beauties" series. The practice of including collectible cards with commercial products like cigarettes emerged in the late 19th century as a marketing strategy. The series reflects the era's fascination with beauty and celebrity, but also reveals the social and cultural values of the time. Blanche Roosevelt was an American opera singer, author, and journalist. The image constructs her as a desirable and respectable figure through the aesthetic conventions of feminine beauty. These cards were aimed at a broad consumer base, reflecting the democratization of culture, but also the commercialization of beauty and fame. Understanding this image requires a look at the social history of advertising, popular culture, and the evolving role of women in the public sphere. Accessible through archives and libraries, periodicals from the time offer insight into the image's creation, dissemination, and reception, offering perspectives on its cultural significance.