Annie Summerville, Corsair Co., from the Actors and Actresses series (N45, Type 1) for Virginia Brights Cigarettes 1885 - 1891

This card, made by Allen & Ginter for Virginia Brights Cigarettes, features Annie Summerville of the Corsair Co. and belongs to the "Actors and Actresses" series. These cards, akin to modern-day trading cards, circulated in a late 19th-century America deeply fascinated by celebrity and performance. Summerville's theatrical costume and assertive pose provide a glimpse into the complex dynamics of gender and representation in this era. The 'Corsair Co.' hints at productions filled with adventure, heroism, and perhaps, a touch of exoticism. The gaze she directs towards the viewer is open to interpretation: confident, inviting, or perhaps a calculated performance for the camera. What does it mean for a woman to adopt the persona of a corsair, a figure traditionally associated with male bravado and freedom? These cards were not merely innocent collectibles, but reflections of societal aspirations and fantasies. They shaped perceptions and contributed to the construction of identity, both for the performers and their audience. As we look at Annie Summerville, let's consider the ways in which she and other actresses of her time navigated the expectations placed upon them, crafting their own narratives within the constraints of a rapidly changing world.