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

This is a photograph of Miss Webb from the Actresses series, produced by Wm. S. Kimball & Co. These kinds of photographs were printed in the United States during the late 19th century and inserted into cigarette packs. The series reflects an interesting dynamic between commerce, celebrity, and the evolving role of women in the public sphere. The commercial use of actresses' images speaks volumes about changing social attitudes towards women in entertainment. As a historian, I see this card as a microcosm of the broader cultural landscape. It reflects the rise of consumer culture, the increasing visibility of women in public life, and the marketing strategies employed by businesses to appeal to consumers. By examining sources such as newspapers, magazines, and company records, we can begin to understand the complex web of social and institutional forces that shaped this image. The meaning of this image isn't fixed; it's contingent upon the social and institutional contexts in which it was made and consumed.