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

Viola Randell, from the Actors and Actresses series was made by Allen & Ginter as a promotional tool for Virginia Brights Cigarettes. These cards offer a peek into the cultural landscape of the late 19th century, a time when celebrity culture was burgeoning, and tobacco companies were at the forefront of its commodification. Randell, like other actresses featured in the series, became both a subject of admiration and a vehicle for marketing, highlighting the intertwined nature of entertainment, consumerism, and gendered representation. She is captured in a moment of poised elegance, her gaze averted, embodying the ideals of femininity of the era. These cards offered fans a tangible connection to their idols, reinforcing the allure of the stage while simultaneously promoting a specific brand of cigarettes. In considering these small cards, we can reflect on how industries have historically capitalized on image and aspiration, shaping our perceptions of beauty, success, and identity.