Card 701, Jennie Kemble, from the Actors and Actresses series (N45, Type 2) for Virginia Brights Cigarettes 1885 - 1891

This is a small cigarette card of Jennie Kemble from the Actors and Actresses series, created by Allen & Ginter. The sepia-toned image is dominated by the subject’s portrait, cropped to emphasize her face and upper torso, set against a blurred background. The card's surface is textured, adding a tactile dimension to the visual experience. The composition is structured around Kemble's gaze, which draws the viewer in. Her hair creates a soft frame around her face, contrasting with the darker, more defined lines of her clothing. This contrast directs our attention to her expression, inviting us to consider the persona she projects. This card reflects the late 19th-century fascination with celebrity and the commodification of fame. By placing Kemble's image on a cigarette card, Allen & Ginter transformed her into a collectible object. The interplay between the public image and commercial context raises questions about representation and value, prompting us to consider the broader cultural forces at play.