Card 875, Mrs. Langtry, from the Actors and Actresses series (N45, Type 2) for Virginia Brights Cigarettes 1885 - 1891

This card, featuring Mrs. Langtry, was made by Allen & Ginter, as part of a series of cigarette cards. These small cards, printed on paper, were included in packs of Virginia Brights Cigarettes. The photographic image is sepia-toned, a popular aesthetic at the time. It depicts the actress Lillie Langtry, adorned in fur. The material appearance is defined by the smooth texture of the card, contrasting with the implied softness and depth of the fur. This would have been a mass produced item; a collectible encouraging repeat purchases. The production of these cards involved photography, printing, and distribution. This reflects the industrialized processes and marketing strategies of the late 19th century. Such imagery played a role in shaping perceptions of beauty, success, and consumer culture. So, next time you see an image like this, consider it a material artifact, embedded in the history of consumerism and popular culture, blurring the lines between art, advertising, and everyday life.