Belle Archer, from the Actresses series (N190) issued by Wm. S. Kimball & Co. 1889

This small card featuring Belle Archer, from the Actresses series, was produced by Wm. S. Kimball & Co., a cigarette manufacturer. The late 19th century saw the rise of mass media and consumer culture, and these cards were a way for tobacco companies to market their products. They used images of actresses and other celebrities to appeal to consumers. Consider the politics of imagery at the time: such cards offered a glimpse into the public's fascination with fame and beauty, while simultaneously reinforcing societal norms about gender and class. The visual codes used in the image, such as Belle Archer's pose and attire, would have been instantly recognizable to viewers of the time. Understanding the social conditions that shaped artistic production can help us interpret such imagery better. We can examine trade publications, company records, and biographical details of actresses like Belle Archer to understand this piece. It's a reminder that art is always contingent on its social and institutional context.