Mlle. Pacurd, from the Actors and Actresses series (N45, Type 8) for Virginia Brights Cigarettes 1885 - 1891

Allen & Ginter produced this small photograph of Mlle. Pacurd, an actress, as part of a series of collectible cards packaged with Virginia Brights Cigarettes. These cards, popular in the late 19th century in the United States, reveal a great deal about the cultural values and social norms of the time. The commercialization of art through tobacco products speaks to the growing consumer culture and the use of celebrity endorsements to promote sales. The selection of actresses as subjects reflects the public's fascination with the entertainment industry and the evolving role of women in society. Careful examination of publications from the period, such as theater reviews and social columns, along with business records of the tobacco companies, might offer insights into the marketing strategies employed and the reception of these cards by the public. This helps us understand the complex interplay between art, commerce, and social identity in a specific historical context.