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

This is Olva Brandon, from the Actors and Actresses series of cigarette cards, made by Allen & Ginter of Richmond, Virginia. These cards, printed on thin paper stock, were included in packs of Virginia Brights cigarettes as promotional items. The sepia tone photograph is a testament to the industrialization of image-making in the late 19th century. Photography, once a laborious process, became streamlined for mass production, mirroring the cigarette industry's own expansion through mechanized production. The images themselves, such as this portrait of actress Olva Brandon, were carefully chosen to appeal to consumers, linking glamour with the everyday act of smoking. The card serves as a tangible artifact of a bygone era, reflecting changing attitudes towards labor, leisure, and consumption. It prompts us to consider the labor involved in manufacturing these cards, as well as the social and economic forces that shaped both the entertainment and tobacco industries. By examining the material and context of this modest card, we gain insight into the complex interplay between art, industry, and society, challenging our assumptions about what constitutes art.