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

Editor: This is Fannie Adams from the Actors and Actresses series made between 1885 and 1891. It’s a print, drawing, and photograph all in one, made by Allen & Ginter. It feels… nostalgic, maybe? Seeing this actress used to promote cigarettes is a little jarring, though. What do you make of it? Curator: It's fascinating to consider how this small card reveals so much about the cultural landscape of the late 19th century. Think about it – an image of a popular actress, distributed with cigarettes. This wasn't simply about selling tobacco; it was about selling a lifestyle, a connection to fame and the world of entertainment. Editor: So, these cigarette cards weren't just collectibles, but tools for building a brand identity? Curator: Precisely! They played a crucial role in shaping perceptions. Tobacco companies elevated the status of their products by associating them with popular figures like Fannie Adams. These images circulated widely, shaping ideas about celebrity, beauty, and even social status. This type of commercial exchange also brings to light how the bodies of performers are consumed for profit. Does this influence your interpretation of the piece at all? Editor: It does make me think about how stars are used to sell things even now. It's like this card is a very early version of influencer marketing. Curator: Exactly. Understanding the social context surrounding these images helps us recognize how art and commerce have long been intertwined, influencing our values and desires. I never considered its relation to modern “influencers” either. Thanks for the insight. Editor: That’s very interesting. It’s a bit unsettling, too.