Annie Russell, from the Actors and Actresses series (N45, Type 8) for Virginia Brights Cigarettes 1885 - 1891

This is a printed card, one of a series made to promote Virginia Brights Cigarettes. The subject is Annie Russell, a popular stage actress. The card is made using industrial printing processes. It's a piece of industrial ephemera, designed for mass consumption. These cards were collected by the public, and the images often reflected popular trends or figures, like Russell. She had a successful career, and was known for her performances in comedic and dramatic roles. The very concept of the collectible card is tied to wider social issues of labor, politics, and consumption. The amount of work involved in their production and distribution was considerable, involving not only the labor of the printing press workers, but also the tobacco farmers. Understanding this image requires attention to its making, and the context of its production and use. This challenges traditional distinctions between fine art and craft, leading us to think about the broader cultural and economic forces at play in the creation and circulation of images.