Lili Rupp, from the Actresses series (N67) promoting Virginia Brights Cigarettes for Allen & Ginter brand tobacco products 1885 - 1893

drawing, print

portrait

pencil drawn

drawing

aged paper

toned paper

light pencil work

print

pencil sketch

old engraving style

personal sketchbook

pencil drawing

men

pencil work

watercolour illustration

profile

This 1885-1893 lithograph card, part of the "Actresses" series, was produced by Allen & Ginter as a promotional item for their Virginia Brights Cigarettes. The card depicts Lili Rupp, a popular actress of the time, in a simple pose, subtly showcasing the product branding. This card exemplifies a popular trend in the late 19th century of using collectible cards to market tobacco products. This particular card, now housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, highlights the intersection of art, advertising, and social history.