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

This card depicting actress Nellie Standish was made by Allen & Ginter as part of a series of promotional cigarette cards. Printed on a small rectangle of cardstock, its sepia tones evoke a sense of nostalgia, a lost world of vaudeville and tobacco advertising. The printing process itself is key to understanding the image. These cards were mass-produced, a far cry from a unique work of art. The photographic image, likely taken in a studio, was transferred to the card using industrial printing techniques. The focus wasn't on artistic expression, but rather on creating a desirable collectible that would entice consumers to purchase Virginia Brights Cigarettes. The card embodies the intersection of celebrity culture and consumerism, reflecting the rise of mass media and the commodification of fame. Nellie Standish, an actress of the time, becomes a vehicle for selling cigarettes. The card represents not just an image, but a system of labor, production, and consumption. In that light, it is a fascinating artifact of its time.