M'lle Elza, from the Actors and Actresses series (N45, Type 8) for Virginia Brights Cigarettes 1885 - 1891

Editor: Here we have "M'lle Elza, from the Actors and Actresses series" made sometime between 1885 and 1891 by Allen & Ginter. It's a collotype print, and I’m struck by the use of photography combined with what looks like charcoal or coloured pencil. What's particularly fascinating is that it was created as a cigarette card. What do you make of it? Curator: It is indeed striking to see such techniques used for a seemingly disposable product. The integration of drawing, printmaking, and photography signifies a sophisticated production process often overlooked. Consider the labor involved in creating these cards, meant for ephemeral consumption, a tiny portrait of a figure in the world of entertainment. This reveals a democratization of portraiture and Japonisme influencing material culture. Do you see that? Editor: Yes, I see the clear influence of Japonisme in the aesthetic. It also speaks to the way these cards were made for mass distribution, impacting cultural perceptions of performers and what's worth distributing on these collectibles. What was the intent? Was it advertising, or something more? Curator: Exactly. We see art entering commodity circulation here; each card carries an image and supports branding through tobacco. We might think of the implications here: artistry tied directly to capitalistic drives. This questions distinctions, high art versus popular media, which is a vital perspective. How are those distinctions made material, reproduced and consumed? Editor: This puts the photograph in a whole new light. The craftsmanship elevates what was meant to be a simple collectible. The layering of media to get there shows dedication that transforms its meaning. Thank you. Curator: Certainly, examining this intersection can transform one's views of art's potential beyond its intended consumption. It really encourages reflection on consumption culture, and material expressions shaping societal narratives.