L. Fuller, from the Actors and Actresses series (N45, Type 1) for Virginia Brights Cigarettes 1885 - 1891

This is a photograph of L. Fuller, an actress, made by Allen & Ginter, as part of a series of collectible cards for Virginia Brights Cigarettes. These cards, popular in the late 19th century, offer a glimpse into the cultural values and emerging commercialism of the era. Fuller, posed confidently in theatrical garb, challenges conventional representations of women. Her androgynous attire and direct gaze present a self-assured persona. These images circulated widely, helping to shape perceptions of celebrity and femininity. Cigarette cards like this one were a kind of proto-Instagram, weren't they? They offered carefully curated images that both reflected and influenced the cultural imagination. Consider how the commodification of Fuller’s image intersects with her identity as a performer. How does this portrait capture a moment of cultural transition, where traditional norms are both upheld and subverted?