From the Actors and Actresses series (N45, Type 5) for Virginia Brights Cigarettes 1885 - 1891

This small card, made by Allen & Ginter for Virginia Brights Cigarettes, is a reminder that even ephemera like advertisements can reveal a great deal about the culture that produced them. Printed on thin paper stock, the card features a photograph of two actresses, part of a series designed to be collected and traded. The mass production of these cards speaks volumes about the burgeoning consumer culture of the late 19th century, where even the act of smoking was intertwined with collecting and display. What is often missed, however, is how innovative the chromolithography process was in the 1880s. The images are clear, and the colors are subtle, a feat for the era. The very disposability of these cards underscores their significance. They were designed to be transient, yet they offer us a glimpse into the values, desires, and social dynamics of a bygone era. So, next time you see a seemingly insignificant object like this, remember that it might hold more meaning than you think.