Card 774, from the Actors and Actresses series (N45, Type 7) for Dixie Cigarettes 1885 - 1891

This photographic print from the Actors and Actresses series was manufactured for Dixie Cigarettes by Allen & Ginter in Richmond, Virginia, in the late 19th century. These cards offer a fascinating glimpse into the social landscape of the time. As trade cards, they were designed to promote consumption, aligning popular figures with specific brands. This particular card features an actress in costume, linking the allure of the stage with the habit of smoking. The image’s theatrical context, with its slightly provocative display of the female body, speaks to evolving notions of gender and performance. To fully understand this card, it’s important to research the history of advertising, the development of the tobacco industry, and the role of women in the performing arts during this period. These sources help us interpret the photograph's message and its place within the broader cultural narratives of its time. Ultimately, the meaning of this artwork is deeply rooted in its social and institutional context, revealing much about the values and dynamics of late 19th-century American society.