Card 313, Mary Anderson, from the Actors and Actresses series (N45, Type 1) for Virginia Brights Cigarettes 1885 - 1891

This card, made by Allen & Ginter for Virginia Brights Cigarettes, presents actress Mary Anderson in a commercial context. These cards, popular in the late 19th century United States, offer a glimpse into the burgeoning celebrity culture and advertising strategies of the time. Anderson's image, carefully crafted, projects an aura of sophistication and allure. The Virginia Brights brand sought to associate its product with the glamour of the stage. But this wasn't simply about selling cigarettes; it was about selling aspirations, about linking tobacco consumption with a desirable lifestyle. The card itself becomes a cultural artifact, reflecting the social and economic forces at play. By looking into the archives of advertising history we can better understand the intertwining of commerce, celebrity, and cultural values in shaping public perceptions of the era.