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

This card featuring actress Lillian Russell comes from a series produced by Allen and Ginter for Virginia Brights Cigarettes. These cards, popular in the late 19th century, offer a glimpse into the burgeoning celebrity culture and the intertwining of commerce and entertainment. Note how the image of Lillian Russell, a celebrated stage performer, becomes a tool for selling cigarettes. This commodification of fame reflects the growing influence of mass media and advertising in American society. The card series also capitalized on the public's fascination with actors and actresses, elevating them to a level of admiration previously reserved for political or military figures. To fully understand this image, one might delve into the history of tobacco advertising, the evolution of celebrity culture, and the social status of actresses during this period. Such resources help us interpret the meaning of this seemingly simple card.