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

This small card, part of the Actors and Actresses series by Allen & Ginter, presents a sepia-toned image of Miss Hoby. The composition, typical of cigarette cards, focuses on a singular figure against a blurred backdrop. The texture of the card, smooth yet aged, enhances the intimate scale of the image. The formal arrangement here balances elements of display and promotion. Miss Hoby's pose, her striped costume, and the theatrical backdrop create a visual spectacle designed to capture attention. The lines formed by her garment, coupled with the repetition of the text below, structure the visual field into distinct zones of information. Semiotically, this card functions as both a portrait and an advertisement, blending celebrity culture with consumerism. The act of collecting these cards allowed individuals to engage with a structured system of images, each carrying cultural and social meanings. We are left to consider how such miniature portraits reflect and shape perceptions.