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

This small card featuring actress Ada Rehan was produced by the Wm. S. Kimball & Co. as part of a series of promotional items included in cigarette packs. These cards offer a glimpse into the cultural landscape of the late 19th century, when mass media and celebrity culture began to take shape. Ada Rehan, a prominent actress of her time, is presented here as a figure of elegance and refinement, but it’s important to remember that while celebrated, actresses occupied a precarious position in society. They navigated a world that both admired and judged them, often facing scrutiny and objectification. This image then reflects an interesting duality; it is both a celebration of a woman's success and a tool for selling cigarettes, highlighting how women's images were used, and sometimes exploited, in early advertising. These cards were consumed by a wide audience, shaping perceptions of beauty, success, and gender roles. They serve as a reminder of the complex relationship between art, commerce, and the construction of identity.