Mlle. Pozzo, Paris, from the Actors and Actresses series (N45, Type 1) for Virginia Brights Cigarettes 1885 - 1891

This small card, made by Allen and Ginter for Virginia Brights Cigarettes, features an image of Mlle. Pozzo of Paris, reproduced using photographic and printing processes. These cards, distributed with cigarette packs, weren't intended as high art, but rather as a clever marketing strategy to boost sales. The sepia-toned photograph, likely mass-produced, highlights the sitter in her beautiful dress with lace details, while the printing press added the text. The card stock itself, humble and functional, speaks to the work’s intended disposability. But consider the social context: the booming tobacco industry, the rise of consumer culture, and the mass production of images. This card, seemingly insignificant, embodies the spirit of its time, blurring the lines between art, advertising, and everyday life. It serves as a reminder that even the most ephemeral objects can offer valuable insights into our history and culture.