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

This is a photograph of Agnes Huntington, made as part of a series for Virginia Brights Cigarettes. Immediately striking is the sepia tone that washes over the entire composition, lending a sense of nostalgia. Huntington is posed in a theatrical costume, drawing our attention to the texture of her garments, and the contrast between light and shadow. Consider how the image functions as a sign. Huntington, a known actress, is coded here through her costume, which suggests a historical or fictional narrative. But this isn't about historical accuracy; it's about constructing an image of glamour and allure. The cigarette company uses Huntington’s image to associate its product with a world of sophistication and fantasy. The photograph thus becomes a commodity, a signifier in the complex exchange of desires and values. Note the photograph's small scale, which turns it into a collectible object, that signifies status and taste. This photograph is not just a portrait, it's a carefully constructed message.