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

This is a promotional card of Mabel Clark from the Actors and Actresses series, created by Allen & Ginter for Virginia Brights Cigarettes. The sepia tone gives the card a nostalgic feel. Mabel Clark's body forms dynamic lines as she balances on one foot. Note how her lifted leg and arm create a sweeping diagonal that bisects the composition, drawing the eye upward. Her dress adds texture, with layers of ruffled fabric that soften her pose. The composition creates a contrast between her movement and the static backdrop, which includes a classical relief. This juxtaposition might reflect the tension between classical ideals of beauty and the modern, dynamic energy of the performing arts. The card can be seen as an early form of celebrity endorsement, using Clark's image to promote a lifestyle associated with sophistication. It also underscores the construction of fame and the commercialization of image in popular culture. The card's design prompts us to reconsider the interplay between art, commerce, and the representation of identity.