May Hanley, Corsair Co./ Fannie Batchelder/ Laura Curtis, Corsair Co., from the Actors and Actresses series (N45, Type 4) for Virginia Brights Cigarettes 1885 - 1891

This small printed card, issued by Allen and Ginter for Virginia Brights Cigarettes, features images of actresses May Hanley, Fannie Batchelder, and Laura Curtis. These cards were made through industrial photomechanical processes, where images were photographically reproduced and then printed in mass quantities. Consider the mode of production here. These cards weren't unique artworks, but rather commodities produced as promotional items to sell cigarettes. The images were not originally conceived of as art but as a form of advertising. It's interesting to think about the labor involved in producing these cards. From the photographers who took the original portraits to the factory workers who printed and packaged them, many hands were involved in their creation. The cards also point to the culture of celebrity that was emerging at the time, as actresses became recognizable figures through mass media. This card is a reminder that art and culture are always embedded in wider social and economic systems. By paying attention to the materials, making, and context of this card, we can gain a richer understanding of its meaning and significance.