Maud, from the Actresses and Celebrities series (N60, Type 2) promoting Little Beauties Cigarettes for Allen & Ginter brand tobacco products 1887

This is a promotional trading card for Allen & Ginter’s Little Beauties Cigarettes, part of the Actresses and Celebrities series, printed in the United States in the late 19th century. These cards, featuring actresses and other public figures, were inserted into cigarette packs as a marketing strategy. The image creates meaning by associating the allure and status of celebrities with the product being advertised, using cultural references to fame and beauty to encourage consumption. The choice of actresses reflects the growing popularity of theater and the cult of celebrity during this period. This type of advertising also speaks to the rise of consumer culture and the ways in which institutions like tobacco companies shaped social norms through targeted marketing. Understanding the context requires research into advertising history, the rise of celebrity culture, and the social implications of tobacco use. This artwork reveals the power of commercial imagery to shape desires and influence behavior, reflecting the complex interplay between art, commerce, and society.