Isabelle Everson, from the Actors and Actresses series (N45, Type 8) for Virginia Brights Cigarettes 1885 - 1891

This is Isabelle Everson, a photograph from the "Actors and Actresses" series, created by Allen & Ginter as a promotional item for Virginia Brights Cigarettes. These cards were a product of the late 19th century, a time when mass media and consumer culture were on the rise. Everson, like other actresses featured in these cards, occupied a complex position in society. On one hand, she was a public figure, admired and scrutinized. On the other hand, as a woman in the public eye, she was subject to societal expectations and limitations. This image, while seemingly celebratory, also reflects the commodification of female performers. Actresses' images were used to sell products, their identities intertwined with the consumption habits of the era. The photograph captures a moment of posed elegance, yet it also hints at the performative nature of identity, particularly for women in the entertainment industry at the time. The card reminds us to consider the layers of representation and the forces that shape the stories we tell about ourselves and others.