Isabel Irving, from the Actors and Actresses series (N45, Type 8) for Virginia Brights Cigarettes 1885 - 1891

This card featuring actress Isabel Irving was made as a promotional item by Allen & Ginter for Virginia Brights Cigarettes. The image is printed on paper, a mass-produced material, using techniques of commercial printing that emerged in the 19th century. These cards were designed to be collected, traded, and consumed alongside the cigarettes they advertised, so the image of Isabel Irving would have been reproduced in vast numbers. The photographic print has a sepia tone, achieved through chemical processes that allow for replication on an industrial scale. This mechanical reproduction contrasts sharply with the hand-painted portraits of earlier eras, reflecting a shift towards mass culture and consumerism. The card’s inherent disposability is telling. It’s a reminder of the ephemeral nature of celebrity and the relentless cycle of production and consumption that defines modern life. By considering the materials and production processes behind this seemingly simple image, we gain insight into the social and economic forces that shaped its creation and reception.