Lottie Forbes, from World's Beauties, Series 2 (N27) for Allen & Ginter Cigarettes 1888

This small chromolithograph of Lottie Forbes was made by Allen & Ginter Cigarettes, likely in the 1880s, as part of their "World's Beauties" series. The image is made through chromolithography, a printing process using multiple stones or plates to apply different colors, creating a vivid, almost photographic effect. This was a cutting-edge technology at the time, enabling mass production of colorful images, and playing a huge role in advertising. The technique allowed for a high level of detail, capturing the nuances of Forbes's features and the textures of her clothing. The card itself, a byproduct of the burgeoning tobacco industry, speaks volumes about consumer culture and the commodification of beauty. Lottie Forbes, like other women featured in the series, became a collectible, packaged with cigarettes and traded among consumers. The intense labor involved in tobacco farming and the production of these cards contrasts sharply with the glamorous image they project. This tension reminds us of the complex social and economic forces at play behind even the most seemingly innocuous objects. By considering the materials, making, and context of this artwork, we gain a richer understanding of its cultural significance.