Card 263, Alma Stanley, from the Actors and Actresses series (N45, Type 1) for Virginia Brights Cigarettes 1885 - 1891

This card of Alma Stanley was produced by Allen & Ginter of Richmond, Virginia, as a promotional item for Virginia Brights Cigarettes. These cards were part of a series called "Actors and Actresses" and were popular in the late 19th century. The image presents Alma Stanley, a stage actress, in a carefully styled pose that emphasizes an idealized version of feminine beauty. The cultural context here is key: consider the rise of consumer culture, the increasing popularity of celebrity endorsements, and the way tobacco companies sought to associate their products with glamour and sophistication. We might also note the institutional history at play. Here the art world meets the commercial world. The mass production of these cards speaks to the changing nature of image distribution and consumption during this period. To fully understand this card, we would need to delve into the history of tobacco advertising, the careers of actresses like Alma Stanley, and the social norms of the time. By examining these aspects, we gain insight into the complex relationship between art, commerce, and society.