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

This mounted albumen print of Carrie Andrews comes from the Actors and Actresses series by Allen & Ginter. The sepia tones give the image a feeling of distance, yet the composition draws us in. Note how the photographer has structured the portrait using soft gradations of light and shadow to give shape to Andrews's face and clothing. The patterned fabric of her hat and shawl adds visual texture, contrasting with the smooth, almost porcelain quality of her skin. It is through these contrasts that the image achieves its delicate balance. The photograph straddles the line between public image and private identity. As a collectible card included in cigarette packs, it functioned as both advertising and a cultural artifact. How does this format influence our understanding of celebrity and representation? Consider how the formal qualities contribute to the construction and consumption of identity in the late 19th century.