Bonifazzio, from the Actors and Actresses series (N45, Type 1) for Virginia Brights Cigarettes 1885 - 1891

This small card, 'Bonifazzio, from the Actors and Actresses series' was made by Allen & Ginter for Virginia Brights Cigarettes. It’s made of paper, a humble material, but one that speaks volumes about industrial production and consumption at the time. This card is not just a pretty picture; it's a product of its time, a small piece of a much larger industry. The photogravure printing process allowed for mass production, meaning countless copies of this image could be made quickly and cheaply. The card was included in cigarette packs, incentivizing consumers to buy more cigarettes in order to collect the whole set. This highlights the intricate relationship between consumer culture, promotional strategies, and the commodification of art. This little card reminds us that art isn't just about aesthetics. It's about the systems of labor and capital that bring objects into being. Recognizing this helps us see how so-called 'low' art forms can offer profound insights into society.