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

This photograph of Hope Temple comes from a series of actresses, produced by the American cigarette company, Wm. S. Kimball & Co., in the late 19th century. These cards were distributed with cigarette packs as a marketing strategy, capitalizing on the popularity of actresses and theatre at the time. The image presents Hope Temple, an actress, in a staged pose. She is adorned in an elaborate dress, a stark representation of beauty and success. The inclusion of the company's name directly on the card links the glamour of the theatre with the allure of smoking. The series provides a fascinating insight into the social and cultural values of the time. It reflects the rise of celebrity culture and the use of actresses as aspirational figures to promote consumer products. Further research into the company’s archives and theater history could reveal the wider social and economic context that shaped this seemingly simple image. This approach reminds us that art and visual culture are always embedded in specific social and institutional contexts.