From the Actors and Actresses series (N45, Type 4) for Virginia Brights Cigarettes 1885 - 1891

This card, featuring a sepia photograph of an actress, was produced by Allen & Ginter for Virginia Brights Cigarettes. The photographic process itself is key here. Photography emerged in the 19th century as both a means of artistic expression and a tool for mass production. The image’s inherent qualities - its tonal range, crisp detail, and overall aesthetic - are direct results of the photographic techniques employed, yet it is a far cry from fine art photography. Instead it reflects the industrial nature of cigarette production. Cards like this were produced in vast quantities and included in cigarette packs. The tobacco industry adopted popular aesthetics to promote their brand; here the world of entertainment and celebrity culture. The card, originally intended as a disposable promotional item, is now a fascinating artifact. By considering the material processes involved in its creation, we begin to understand how social forces influence the production and consumption of even the smallest objects.