From the Actors and Actresses series (N45, Type 5) for Virginia Brights Cigarettes 1885 - 1891

This small card featuring a portrait of an actress was produced by Allen & Ginter for Virginia Brights Cigarettes. In the late 19th century, tobacco companies in the United States began including collectible cards in their cigarette packs as a way to boost sales. These cards often featured popular actresses, athletes, and other celebrities. The images, like this one, were meant to evoke glamour and sophistication. What’s really interesting is how this promotional strategy blurred the lines between art, commerce, and celebrity culture. It created a new kind of visual economy where images of actresses, like the one in this card, were mass-produced and circulated as commodities. Historical research into advertising ephemera and popular culture can provide valuable insights into the social and cultural values of the time. It helps us understand the relationship between art, entertainment, and consumerism in shaping our perceptions of beauty, fame, and success.