Josie Dirkee, Erminie Co., from the Actors and Actresses series (N45, Type 1) for Virginia Brights Cigarettes 1885 - 1891

Curator: This is an interesting piece from the Metropolitan Museum of Art: a photograph, actually more like a printed trading card, titled "Josie Dirkee, Erminie Co., from the Actors and Actresses series (N45, Type 1) for Virginia Brights Cigarettes." It was created sometime between 1885 and 1891 by Allen & Ginter. Editor: Oh, the sepia tones immediately give it a feeling of vintage charm, almost like stepping into a dusty attic. She looks so poised, leaning against that ornate chair... but those puffy sleeves! They have a story to tell. Curator: Definitely. These cards were printed in large quantities and included in cigarette packs. Consider that each card was not merely promotional material, but a symptom of a broader culture of consumption and entertainment where images of famous performers circulated as collectibles, objects of desire inseparable from the product being sold. Editor: Right! And she looks the part, like a mischievous stage character ready to burst into song. There’s a subtle androgyny, too. A playful dance with gender norms, typical of certain roles, perhaps. The cross-legged pose exudes confidence, it almost dares you to judge. Curator: The costume suggests the popular trend in late 19th century theater where actresses frequently portrayed male characters in comic operettas, hence the breeches and the cut of the jacket. Allen & Ginter profited on images of popular culture. This photograph reflects a specific historical and economic moment. The intersection of mass production, advertising, and the commodification of fame is so clearly presented through a lens that sought to sell and reinforce social values. Editor: Fascinating how something seemingly frivolous, like a cigarette card, can tell us so much. Josie's expression has so much personality. Curator: These ephemeral objects were very much tied to industry—tobacco, photography, printing—all powered by complex labor arrangements, a significant context we can't overlook. The availability of affordable photographs boosted their use, reflecting new printing techniques and a market eager for visual stimulation. Editor: The image does make you think, doesn’t it? A fleeting portrait meant to be tossed away with an empty pack of cigarettes, now preserved as art. A true act of survival if you ask me! Curator: Indeed, from ephemera to artwork—quite the journey of an object. A nice piece of visual history!