Miss Nelson, Paris, from the Actors and Actresses series (N45, Type 1) for Virginia Brights Cigarettes 1885 - 1891

This tiny card featuring Miss Nelson of Paris was produced by Allen & Ginter, as part of a series of actresses used to promote Virginia Brights Cigarettes. These cards were made using a printing process called lithography, which allowed for mass production and distribution. The image itself is a photograph, probably taken in a studio, and then transferred onto the card. The sepia tone is characteristic of early photography, and the small size reflects its intended purpose: a collectable insert in cigarette packs. These cards were immensely popular, turning everyday consumer goods into vehicles for art and celebrity. Consider the contrast between the delicate image and the harsh reality of tobacco production and consumption. The card is a potent reminder of how art and commerce have always been intertwined, and how even the smallest objects can tell big stories about labor, class, and consumption.