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

This is a printed card from the Actors and Actresses series, made by Allen & Ginter for Virginia Brights Cigarettes. Printed on thin paper stock, it bears an image of Edith Kingdon, a prominent actress of her time, with a somewhat mechanically applied tint of red on her cheek. These cards were essentially trade stimulators, included in cigarette packs to encourage repeat purchases. As such, the card represents an intersection of mass production, celebrity culture, and the burgeoning advertising industry. The very disposability of these cards speaks volumes. Although collected by some, their primary purpose was promotional, a fleeting enticement within the larger project of brand loyalty. So, while it may seem a small thing, this card is a potent reminder that the worlds of art and commerce have long been intertwined, each shaping the other in ways both obvious and subtle.