Lillie Howard, Corsair Co., from the Actors and Actresses series (N45, Type 1) for Virginia Brights Cigarettes 1885 - 1891

This is a photographic print of Lillie Howard of the Corsair Co., created by Allen & Ginter for Virginia Brights Cigarettes in the late 19th century. These cards were included in cigarette packs and highlight the cultural fascination with performers and actresses. The image creates meaning through its staging: notice the assertive pose and theatrical costume, the way the backdrop evokes a stage set. These cards were created and consumed within a specific social and economic context, where tobacco companies sought to create brand loyalty and these images helped create a sense of glamour. The cards also highlight the institutional structures that shape artistic production, like the rise of mass advertising. Historians consult a range of sources, from business records to theater programs, to understand the significance of this and other images. Such research reminds us that the meaning of art is contingent on social and institutional contexts.