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

This is a photograph of Lillian Russell, a popular actress, and it was made to be included in packets of Virginia Brights Cigarettes. What looks like a straightforward promotional image actually speaks volumes about the world of labor, politics, and consumption at the time. The photographic process itself is key. Photography democratized portraiture, making images of celebrities like Russell accessible to a mass audience. The sepia tone gives it an antique feel. The card is small and relatively cheap to produce. But consider also how the image was consumed. Tobacco companies used these cards as a marketing strategy. By collecting these cards, consumers were buying into the idea of a glamorous lifestyle, linking themselves to the celebrity culture of the time. It is a subtle reminder of the pervasive influence of commerce on all aspects of life, and how everyday objects can hold layers of social significance.