Margaret Mather, from World's Beauties, Series 1 (N26) for Allen & Ginter Cigarettes 1888

This small print of Margaret Mather, part of the World's Beauties series, was created by Allen & Ginter for their cigarette brand. The soft pastels and delicate composition exude a particular romanticism typical of the period. Visually, the piece is dominated by the contrast between the smooth, idealized skin of Mather and the more textured rendering of her hat and dress. This contrast emphasizes her idealized beauty, typical of the images used in advertising at the time. Moreover, the use of Mather’s image suggests an exchange between the aesthetic allure of the actress and the product being sold. The very small scale contributes to its accessibility and widespread circulation. By understanding the formal qualities and historical context, we see how this image promotes both an actress and constructs ideals of beauty for a broad audience. These popular images offer valuable insights into the cultural values and social structures that shaped their creation and reception.