Card 750, Pauline Hall, from the Actors and Actresses series (N45, Type 2) for Virginia Brights Cigarettes 1885 - 1891

This card featuring the actress Pauline Hall was part of a series produced by Allen & Ginter for Virginia Brights Cigarettes. It’s a small chromolithograph, a printing process that relies on the layering of multiple colors from etched stones or metal plates. These cards were essentially promotional items, designed to be collected, traded, and, of course, to encourage brand loyalty. The decision to depict actresses speaks volumes about the intended audience and the cultural values of the time. The smooth, almost ethereal quality of chromolithography lends a certain glamour to the image of Pauline Hall. Consider the amount of labor required to create each card. From the original photograph to the etching, inking, and printing processes, countless hands were involved in its making. These cards, in their own way, reflect the increasing industrialization and consumer culture of the late 19th century, where even something as ephemeral as fame could be mass-produced and commodified. By understanding the material and social context of these cards, we gain a greater appreciation for their significance, challenging the boundaries of traditional art and craft.