Miss Kenedy, from the Actors and Actresses series (N45, Type 8) for Virginia Brights Cigarettes 1885 - 1891

This photograph of Miss Kenedy comes from a series of actors and actresses, made by Allen & Ginter for Virginia Brights Cigarettes. Printed on a small paper card, it was included in cigarette packs as a promotional item. The photograph's sepia tone results from a chemical process, and the cheap paper stock speaks to its nature as a mass-produced collectible. Allen and Ginter were pioneers in this type of advertising. They recognized the appeal of celebrity and the collecting impulse, and the cards were immensely popular, driving sales and creating a craze. Consider the social context: smoking was becoming widespread, and advertising was in its infancy. These cards blurred the lines between art, commerce, and celebrity culture. The amount of labor involved in the tobacco industry, the printing process, and the distribution networks, speaks volumes about the burgeoning consumer culture of the late 19th century. Looking closely at this small card reminds us that everyday objects can offer insights into the workings of industry, labor, and the evolving landscape of consumerism.