From the Dogs series (N47) for Virginia Brights Cigarettes 1887 - 1891

This card showing a dog reclining on a velvet cushion was made by the American firm of Allen and Ginter as a promotional item for Virginia Brights Cigarettes. It’s from a series of images of dogs, and it reflects the growth of consumer culture in the United States at the end of the 19th century. The image is interesting to us because it shows how a particular social institution – in this case a tobacco company - used visual imagery to build brand loyalty. Allen and Ginter were pioneers in the use of collectible cards, which featured not only dogs but also actresses, sports figures, and even military leaders. The cards were included in packs of cigarettes and were intended to encourage repeat purchases and brand recognition. As historians, we can study these cards to understand the social and cultural values that they reflect and promote. What did it mean to include images of dogs in cigarette packs? What kind of consumer was Allen and Ginter trying to reach? These are the questions that can help us to understand the cultural context in which this image was made and circulated.