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

This is a photograph of Cissy Fitzgerald, an actress, created by Allen & Ginter for Virginia Brights Cigarettes. These cards were inserted into cigarette packs, a common marketing tactic in the late 19th century in the United States. This image offers a fascinating glimpse into the cultural landscape of the time, revealing connections between entertainment, advertising, and consumption. The commodification of celebrity, even in this early form, speaks volumes about the burgeoning media culture and its impact on social values. Cigarette companies realized early on the value of celebrity endorsement. Further research into the history of tobacco advertising, popular theater, and the lives of performers like Fitzgerald would shed light on the intricate web of social and economic forces that shaped this image and its reception. Art like this reminds us that meaning is never fixed but is always contingent on the specific contexts in which it is created, circulated, and understood.