Estelle, from the Ballet Queens series (N182) issued by Wm. S. Kimball & Co. 1889

This is a lithograph of Estelle from the Ballet Queens series, created by William S. Kimball & Co. as a trade card. These cards emerged in the late 19th century, a time when advertising was rapidly evolving. The Ballet Queens series offers a glimpse into the cultural fascination with ballet and the commodification of female performers. Estelle, adorned in her costume, is presented as an object of beauty and desire. The card reflects the complex interplay of gender, performance, and commercialism. The ballerinas, often unnamed and reduced to images, were figures of both admiration and exploitation. Their talent was celebrated, yet their identities were often overshadowed by the demands of the industry. This card invites us to reflect on the ways in which women's bodies and labor have been historically represented and consumed. It reminds us to consider the individual stories behind these images.