Card Number 23, cut-out from banner advertising the Opera Gloves series (G29) for Allen & Ginter Cigarettes 1885 - 1895

This small card was printed by Allen & Ginter, a cigarette company, as part of a series of collectible cards packaged with their products. Here, a lithographic printing technique brings together image and text on a single sheet. The card features a woman's portrait held delicately by an opera glove. The glove itself is rendered with remarkable detail, the subtle textures of the material are visible as is the delicate stitching. This attention to detail speaks to the skilled labor involved in both glove-making and printing, underscoring the commercial value attached to both crafts. Packaged with cigarettes, these cards incentivized repeat purchases, playing a crucial role in shaping consumer culture. Through mass production, this humble piece of advertising gained the status of a collectible artwork. So next time you see something like this, remember that it's more than just a pretty picture – it's a window into the world of production, labor, and consumerism.