Card 474, Ella Stockman, from the Actors and Actresses series (N45, Type 1) for Virginia Brights Cigarettes 1885 - 1891

This card, featuring actress Ella Stockman, was printed by Allen & Ginter for Virginia Brights Cigarettes. It is one of many cards produced in the late 19th century using the photogravure process, which was developed to mass produce images. Look closely, and you will notice the fine detail achieved by this printing technique. The picture has a softness and depth, which would have made it an attractive collectible. It was printed onto a thin piece of card, designed to be durable enough to withstand handling and pocketing, and so was made to withstand some wear and tear. These cards were not conceived as high art, but as promotional items. Factories churned out these images, as a means of promoting a lifestyle tied to leisure and consumption. These cards are now highly collectible, and are a cultural snapshot of the period. By looking at the process and social context, we can appreciate the significance beyond the image itself.