Carrie Behr, Corsair Co., from the Actors and Actresses series (N45, Type 1) for Virginia Brights Cigarettes 1885 - 1891

This is an advertising card from around 1888, made by Allen and Ginter for Virginia Brights Cigarettes. It is part of a series featuring actors and actresses; this one depicts Carrie Behr of the Corsair Co. The image is a window into the social and cultural landscape of the late 19th century. The rise of consumer culture and mass marketing created new opportunities for businesses to promote their products. These cards were a common marketing tool, inserted into cigarette packs to encourage collecting and brand loyalty. They offered idealized images of beauty and success. The presence of actors and actresses speaks to the growing popularity of theater and celebrity culture. These cards reflect the social norms of the time, including gender roles and the commodification of the human body. For social historians, such ephemeral objects are valuable primary sources. They provide a glimpse into the everyday lives, aspirations, and values of people in the past. By studying such objects, we can gain a deeper understanding of the complex social and cultural forces that shaped the modern world.