Maggie Mitchell, from the Actresses series (N67) promoting Virginia Brights Cigarettes for Allen & Ginter brand tobacco products 1885 - 1893

This is Maggie Mitchell, from the Actresses series, a lithograph made to promote Virginia Brights Cigarettes by Allen & Ginter brand. The lithographic process allowed for mass production of these cards, making them accessible and widely distributed. The flat, smooth surface of the cardstock enhances the detail of the printed image, drawing attention to the actress and the product. The Virginia Brights Cigarettes brand name is prominently displayed, linking fame and glamour to the act of smoking. These cards represent the intersection of entertainment, advertising, and consumer culture, with the tobacco industry playing a significant role in shaping public perception and desire. Inexpensive paper, industrial printing: this was an art of pure commerce. By examining the materials and modes of production, we gain insight into the social and economic forces that shaped this seemingly simple image. This challenges the distinction between fine art and popular culture, inviting us to consider the broader implications of how art and commerce intertwine.