Card 845, Lizzie Webster, from the Actors and Actresses series (N45, Type 2) for Virginia Brights Cigarettes 1885 - 1891

This card from the Actors and Actresses series, published by Allen & Ginter, presents Lizzie Webster, adorned with a striking hat with feathers, a symbol of status. Feathers, throughout history, have signified power, divinity, and spiritual ascent. Think of ancient Egyptian headdresses or indigenous American war bonnets. But here, on a cigarette card, the feather takes on a commercial role, an emblem of glamour used to sell Virginia Brights. It’s a far cry from the feather’s origins as a sacred symbol, yet echoes of its historical significance linger, adding an air of sophistication. Observe how the pose and the setting suggest a narrative, a glimpse into a theatrical world. This connects to how photographic portraits were becoming increasingly common during the 19th century, reflecting the growing cult of celebrity. It reminds us of our perpetual fascination with public figures and how we continually weave stories around them, an urge deeply embedded in the collective psyche. These cards were never just advertisements, they were also purveyors of dreams.