From the Actors and Actresses series (N45, Type 5) for Virginia Brights Cigarettes 1885 - 1891

Editor: This daguerreotype, titled "From the Actors and Actresses series (N45, Type 5) for Virginia Brights Cigarettes," made by Allen & Ginter between 1885 and 1891, has a beautifully aged quality. I am quite moved by its gentle tones. How would you interpret this image? Curator: Ah, it’s more than just pretty ageing, isn't it? Consider the era—cigarettes and celebrity were aligning into a swirling dance of desire. The woman's coy glance wasn’t just selling tobacco; it was selling a fantasy, an invitation to a life as glamorous and ephemeral as smoke. Does it feel melancholic? Editor: It does now that you mention it; it seems like the ephemeral nature makes it melancholic. It is an aged piece. Curator: Exactly. This isn't merely a portrait; it's a curated moment designed to spark aspiration, yet bound by the fleeting nature of its medium and message. Cigarette cards like this were small, affordable luxuries that made celebrity accessible to the masses. Do you suppose the sitter chose to pose with the head covering, and that costume, or did someone advise her? Editor: That is an intriguing aspect to consider. Perhaps she adopted it based on the requirements from Virginia Brights Cigarettes! Curator: Yes, she probably had minimal input. Advertising relies on capturing the viewer's attention in fleeting moments, creating a quick impression that translates to product sales. But that being said, doesn’t this card feel remarkably…tender? Like the ghost of a whisper promising something just out of reach? Editor: Definitely. It's a glimpse into a bygone era, a moment frozen in time promoting…cigarettes. Now I see its complexities, it makes me wonder about the model! Curator: Absolutely. I have gained more insights on celebrity portrayal, through this fleeting encounter of our cigarette card!