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

This is a small card featuring Bertha Hastings, from the Actors and Actresses series, printed by Allen and Ginter for Virginia Brights Cigarettes. These cards were produced in the late 19th century, a time when the burgeoning advertising industry was finding innovative ways to reach consumers. What better way than to insert collectible cards into cigarette packs? The cards were often portraits of popular actresses, athletes, and other celebrities. This is a fascinating example of the intersection of commerce, celebrity culture, and visual representation. It reflects the social conditions in which advertising and mass media began to shape public perceptions. Hastings, adorned in a feathered hat, looks off to the side, embodying an idealized vision of feminine beauty and celebrity. To understand this image, we need to delve into the archives of advertising history, theater history, and the social history of celebrity culture. The meaning of this card is contingent on its historical context, the economic structures that produced it, and its role in shaping social norms.