From the Actors and Actresses series (N45, Type 4) for Virginia Brights Cigarettes 1885 - 1891

This small promotional card from the "Actors and Actresses" series, issued by Allen & Ginter for Virginia Brights Cigarettes, presents a sepia-toned image of a seated actress. The composition is dominated by the actress, who reclines in an ornate chair, her posture relaxed yet composed. The limited palette enhances the texture of her dress and the chair's upholstery. The image is framed tightly, focusing attention on the figure and her immediate surroundings. The actress's gaze, directed slightly upwards, suggests a sense of aspiration or perhaps a connection with an unseen audience. The card's function as advertising can't be ignored. Its compact size and collectible nature were intended to circulate images of fashionable figures. The actress becomes both an object of admiration and a symbol of the aspirational lifestyle associated with the Virginia Brights brand. The careful arrangement of her pose and the decorative elements around her reflect a deliberate construction of celebrity.