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

This photograph of Miss Summerville comes from a series of cigarette cards produced by the American tobacco company, William S. Kimball & Co. These cards, popular in the late 19th century, offer a fascinating glimpse into the social and cultural values of the time. Actresses, like Miss Summerville, became some of the first celebrities whose portraits were mass-produced and widely circulated. But it’s important to remember the context: images of actresses were used to promote products, reinforcing the idea of women as commodities. The theatrical backdrop, the ornate costume, and the actress’s pose all create a sense of spectacle. But beneath the glamour lies a complex web of commerce and social roles. To fully understand the image's meaning, we can consult playbills, theatre reviews, and census records. Art history, at its best, considers the power dynamics that shape what we see and how we interpret it.