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

This card, part of Allen & Ginter's "Actors and Actresses" series for Virginia Brights Cigarettes, presents Betty Pope in a composed, theatrical setting. The sepia tone imbues the image with a sense of nostalgia, softening the starkness of the contrast between Pope’s dark costume and the lighter backdrop. Structurally, Pope's figure is arranged asymmetrically, with one hand resting upon what appears to be a rock or mound. This positioning introduces a dynamic diagonal line, disrupting any sense of static symmetry. The backdrop, intentionally blurred, focuses our attention on the actress. Yet it also raises questions about the artificiality of the scene and the construction of celebrity itself. The composition destabilizes the traditional portrait, transforming it into a performative tableau. It reflects a broader cultural interest in the construction of identity through representation and the rising popularity of celebrity culture in the late 19th century. The card, therefore, functions as a sign—a commercial product that signifies not just a cigarette brand, but also the commodification of fame.