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

This small card, from the late 19th century, is one of a series produced by Allen and Ginter for Virginia Brights Cigarettes. It is made from a photograph that has been printed on paper. These cards were essentially miniature billboards, designed to be collected. The photographic process allowed for mass production, reflecting the rise of consumer culture at the time. The card featuring Katie Uhart, an actress, is a perfect example of the intersection of industry, entertainment, and advertising. It shows Uhart in costume, complete with headdress and a rather imposing club. Note the way the image quality is not sharp, but rather soft and hazy. This aesthetic was not a bug, but a feature: designed to appeal to consumers, who wanted to feel like they were acquiring a piece of celebrity culture. This little card speaks volumes about the changing landscape of labor and leisure during the Industrial Revolution, and the mass marketing of tobacco. It is a reminder that even the most ephemeral objects can offer insights into the social and economic forces that shaped our world.