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

This is a photograph of Lillie Ellsner, an actress, printed as a cigarette card by Allen & Ginter. It's a humble object, made of paper stock, sepia-toned. Yet, it speaks volumes about the industrialized culture of the late 19th century. Consider how mass production enabled the distribution of these cards. Cigarette companies used them as a marketing tactic, inserting them into packs to stiffen the product and entice consumers. This seemingly trivial image is directly tied to the rise of mass media and consumerism. The choice of subject, a stage performer, also underscores the increasing commodification of leisure and entertainment. Note the way Ellsner is presented: posed, glamorous, and ready for consumption. This connects to broader social issues of labor, politics, and the relentless drive of capitalism. The photographic process itself, once a specialized skill, was now streamlined for commercial purposes. Ultimately, this card challenges our traditional ideas about art, revealing the cultural significance embedded within everyday objects.