Florence Baker, Corsair Co., from the Actors and Actresses series (N45, Type 6) for Virginia Brights Cigarettes 1885 - 1891

This card, dating from the late 19th century, was made by Allen & Ginter to promote Virginia Brights Cigarettes. It features Florence Baker, of the Corsair Co., a performer whose image was reproduced using photographic and printing techniques. The card is small, and was designed to be collected. Photography at this time involved a complex interplay of chemistry and light, and here it renders Baker in a sepia tone, enhancing the texture of her fringed hat and beaded necklace. Such cards were a product of their time, made possible by advances in industrial printing and photography. They were also a reflection of the burgeoning advertising industry, with the mass production of images for commercial purposes. Looking at this card, we can see the merging of art, commerce, and celebrity culture. It invites us to consider the labor involved in creating such objects, and the social context in which they were produced and consumed. It challenges us to think beyond traditional notions of fine art and craft, and to appreciate the rich material culture of everyday life.