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

This is a trade card from the Actors and Actresses series made by Allen and Ginter. The card features Laus Eden in sepia tones, a delicate rendering of a ballerina en pointe. The composition is striking in its use of geometric forms. Eden's tutu creates a broad, symmetrical cone mirrored by the narrower triangle of her torso. This contrast in shapes, combined with her arched arms and legs, infuses the static image with dynamism, creating a sense of movement. Beyond representation, the image invites analysis as a sign. The ballerina, a figure associated with grace and lightness, is juxtaposed with the Virginia Brights Cigarettes logo. This tension between high art and commercial branding undermines established categories of value and taste. The card challenges fixed meanings and opens up a dialogue about the intersection of commerce, culture, and identity in the late 19th century. The photograph creates a play of surfaces and signs.