Card 869, Cora Tanner, from the Actors and Actresses series (N45, Type 2) for Virginia Brights Cigarettes 1885 - 1891

This small card featuring Cora Tanner was produced by Allen & Ginter as part of a series to be included in packs of Virginia Brights Cigarettes. The card is a photographic print, likely mass-produced using industrial printing techniques. It reflects the rise of consumer culture and the use of promotional items to boost sales. The very nature of the card—a collectible included with a commercially available product—speaks to the blurring lines between art, advertising, and everyday life. The image of Tanner, an actress, further connects the card to the world of entertainment and celebrity culture. Consider the labor involved in producing these cards on a mass scale. From the photography and printing to the packaging and distribution, each step relied on workers whose efforts often went unacknowledged. This card reminds us that even seemingly simple objects can offer insights into the social, economic, and cultural forces that shaped their creation.