Mlle. Cicene, from the Actors and Actresses series (N45, Type 8) for Virginia Brights Cigarettes 1885 - 1891

This small card, made by Allen & Ginter for Virginia Brights Cigarettes, presents Mlle. Cicene, an actress of the time. It's printed using photolithography, a process that allowed for mass production of images, effectively democratizing portraiture, though primarily as promotional material. The sepia tone suggests a nostalgic view even at the time of its creation, and the small size made it collectible. The image itself, though seemingly simple, is laden with social context. Actresses were among the first women to achieve a kind of celebrity, and their images helped to sell all sorts of products. The card represents a moment where art, commerce, and celebrity became intertwined. It raises questions about labor, value, and the way images circulate in a consumer society. It also challenges the traditional hierarchy between art and ephemera, inviting us to consider the cultural significance embedded in everyday objects.