M'lle Reagal, from the Actors and Actresses series (N45, Type 1) for Virginia Brights Cigarettes 1885 - 1891

This is a photograph of M'lle Reagal, an actress, printed on a small card for Virginia Brights Cigarettes. These cards were produced in the United States during the late 19th century, a time when the commodification of culture was rapidly accelerating. The image is part of a series of actors and actresses, reflecting the growing popularity of stage performers and the rise of celebrity culture. These cards were essentially advertisements, yet they also served as collectibles, creating a direct link between consumerism and cultural figures. Note how Reagal's pose and attire are carefully constructed to project an image of glamour and allure, designed to capture the viewer's attention and associate it with the Virginia Brights brand. The institutional history of advertising and its influence on popular culture is rich. To understand it better, you might consider exploring the archives of advertising agencies, theatrical publications, and social histories of the period. By examining these resources, we gain insight into the social conditions that shaped the production and reception of art, and the way it comments on the values of its time.