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

This card featuring actress Elizabeth Stuart was produced by Allen & Ginter, for Virginia Brights Cigarettes, most likely in the late 19th century. It’s a photomechanical print, meaning it was reproduced in large quantities using industrial printing techniques. Consider the original image, likely a photographic portrait of Stuart. Its likeness was captured and transferred onto these small cards. This process democratized image production, making portraits accessible to a wider audience. But it also reflects the rise of consumer culture, where celebrity images were used to promote products like cigarettes. The card itself is a humble object, made from inexpensive paper and ink, yet its production involved complex labor processes. The photography, printing, and distribution were all part of a vast industrial system. It is worth remembering the enormous popularity of these cards, which were collected and traded. Everyday ephemera like this can offer insights into the social values and economic forces of the past, challenging our traditional distinctions between art and commerce.