Card 791, Louise Paullin, from the Actors and Actresses series (N45, Type 2) for Virginia Brights Cigarettes 1885 - 1891

This card of Louise Paullin, from the Actors and Actresses series, was produced by Allen & Ginter for Virginia Brights Cigarettes in the late 19th century. These cards were inserted into cigarette packs as a marketing strategy, capitalizing on the burgeoning popularity of both smoking and celebrity culture. The image creates meaning through the visual codes of celebrity endorsement and commercial promotion. In the context of late 19th-century America, this card reflects the growing intersection of entertainment, advertising, and consumerism. The cigarette company sought to associate its brand with the glamour and allure of the theater, thereby enticing consumers to purchase their product. By examining trade publications, census data, and theater archives, we can better understand the cultural landscape in which this card circulated. The meaning of this object is contingent on its specific social and institutional context.