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

This is a promotional card for Virginia Brights Cigarettes, featuring the actress Lilly Baretter, made by Allen & Ginter in the United States around the late 19th century. These cards were inserted into cigarette packs to stiffen them, but also to encourage collecting. The image reflects the rising popularity of actresses, such as Baretter, in the rapidly changing social landscape of the United States. The image also highlights the growing consumer culture, with products like cigarettes using celebrity endorsements. The burgeoning advertising industry was just starting to understand the power of association, linking the allure of performers with everyday products. To fully understand these cards, historians can delve into theatre archives, advertising records, and the biographies of the featured performers, piecing together a picture of how art, commerce, and celebrity culture were intertwined in this period. The image offers a fascinating glimpse into a moment where social roles were being redefined.