Grace George in Her Majesty, from the Actresses series (T1), distributed by the American Tobacco Co. to promote Turkish Trophies Cigarettes

Art Historical Context

In the glittering world of turn-of-the-century American theater, this vibrant commercial color lithograph captures Grace George in her role from the play *Her Majesty*. Produced in 1900 by Frederick Moladore Spie for the American Tobacco Company, it part of the Actresses series (T1), a set of collectible cards inserted into Turkish Trophies Cigarette packs to entice smokers and boost sales. Measuring a compact 8¼ x 6⅜ inches, this ephemera exemplifies the era's innovative marketing, blending celebrity portraits with consumer allure. Lithography, a key printing technique of the time, allowed for bold, affordable color reproduction, making these cards accessible souvenirs that celebrated stage stars like George—a prominent Broadway performer known for her poise and charm. Distributed widely, they reflect the cultural shift toward mass advertising and the romanticization of actresses, who embodied glamour amid rising women's visibility in public life. Today, housed in The Metropolitan Museum of Art's Jefferson R. Burdick Collection, this piece highlights ephemera's artistic value, preserving a snapshot of 1900s commerce, theater, and print innovation for modern audiences.

About the Artist

Frederick Moladore Spiegle|American Tobacco Company · 1865–1942

American, Brooklyn, New York 1865–1942 New York|