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

This small card from the late 19th century by Allen & Ginter features Lettie Lyford, an actress, and was distributed with Virginia Brights Cigarettes. The image encapsulates the burgeoning celebrity culture and its intersection with commerce in America at the time. These cards were essentially advertisements, but they also functioned as collectibles, reflecting and shaping public interest in the performing arts. The choice to portray actresses suggests the growing visibility and appeal of women in the public sphere, albeit within the confines of entertainment and consumer culture. The card’s design, with its focus on Lyford’s image, speaks to the increasing importance of visual media in constructing fame and influencing consumer behavior. Understanding this image requires us to look at the history of advertising, the rise of celebrity culture, and the changing roles of women in society. Through such historical inquiry, we can better appreciate how seemingly trivial objects like cigarette cards played a role in shaping broader cultural attitudes and values.