Alice Atherton, from the Actors and Actresses series (N45, Type 1) for Virginia Brights Cigarettes 1885 - 1891

This card, featuring actress Alice Atherton, was made by Allen & Ginter for Virginia Brights Cigarettes. It’s a printed image on paper, a relatively inexpensive material which could be mass-produced, allowing for wide distribution and consumption. The card is part of a series designed to be collected, traded, and displayed. The printing quality isn't especially high, but the card offered visual appeal and collectability to consumers. The image of Alice Atherton, dressed as a kind of mythological huntress, would have been eye-catching, a small luxury in an everyday commodity. Cards like these offer a glimpse into the culture of the late 19th century. This sort of commercial ephemera reminds us that art and entertainment have long been intertwined with consumerism, shaping tastes and reflecting societal values. It challenges the high/low art divide, showing how images circulate and acquire meaning within broader economic systems.