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

Editor: Here we have "Miss Willett, from the Actors and Actresses series," created sometime between 1885 and 1891 by Allen & Ginter. It’s a small print, a promotional item for Virginia Brights Cigarettes. The sepia tone gives it a sense of faded glamour. What’s your read on why images like this one became so popular? Curator: Well, consider the cultural landscape of the late 19th century. Cigarette cards, like this one featuring Miss Willett, were a form of early advertising, but they also participated in a broader visual culture obsessed with celebrity and performance. Think about it: mass-produced images, distributed widely, creating a sense of intimacy with public figures. Editor: Intimacy... like early social media? Curator: Exactly! But the "like-ability" of the social media account was controlled by Virginia Brights Cigarettes, and depended on consumers accepting social hierarchies of fame and the role of Tobacco usage within it. Also, who gets remembered, and how? Note the selection criteria for these cards. Which actresses are promoted, and which are omitted, and why? This raises essential questions about who has the power to shape public memory and cultural values. Editor: So it’s not just a portrait of an actress, but a reflection of social structures at the time? Curator: Precisely. It invites us to question the dynamics of fame, advertising, and how cultural institutions like museums and even cigarette companies contribute to the construction of historical narratives. The power of imagery is very evident here. Editor: That gives me a lot to consider about this piece beyond just its surface aesthetic. Thank you for your perspective. Curator: Likewise! I'll definitely be more conscious of the cultural context behind similar images moving forward.