Lila Dana, from the Actors and Actresses series (N45, Type 3) for Virginia Brights Cigarettes 1885 - 1891

This small card was made by Allen & Ginter for Virginia Brights Cigarettes, using mass production techniques. Lithography allowed for the inexpensive reproduction of images on paper, which was revolutionary at the time. The card’s sepia tones evoke a sense of nostalgia, typical of the pre-digital era. The subject, Lila Dana, is idealized, a quality enhanced by the soft focus of the printing process. Cards like this were immensely popular, tucked into cigarette packs as a collectible incentive. They speak to the rise of consumer culture and the commodification of image in the late 19th century. Consider the layers of labor involved: from the cultivation of tobacco to the printing press operators, each contributing to a vast economic chain. This card is more than a portrait; it’s a window into the industrial processes that shaped our visual world. By examining such objects, we gain a deeper understanding of how art, commerce, and society intertwine.