Hattie Johnson, from the Actors and Actresses series (N45, Type 1) for Virginia Brights Cigarettes 1885 - 1891

This is a photograph of Hattie Johnson from the Actors and Actresses series made by Allen & Ginter for Virginia Brights Cigarettes. This card is more than just a simple portrait; it’s a window into the complex world of late 19th-century entertainment and advertising. Tobacco companies were some of the first to include collectible cards in their packaging, often featuring popular actresses. These images captured the public's imagination and shaped perceptions of femininity and celebrity. Here, Hattie Johnson stands as a symbol of beauty and allure, carefully constructed for mass consumption. The image invites us to reflect on the dynamics of power and representation. How did performers like Johnson navigate the constraints and opportunities of their time? What does it mean to be seen, to be desired, to be commodified? Her confident gaze confronts us, challenging us to consider the agency of the subject within the objectified image.