From the Girls and Children series (N64) promoting Virginia Brights Cigarettes for Allen & Ginter brand tobacco products 1886

This trade card, part of the "From the Girls and Children series", was created by Allen & Ginter in 1886 to promote their Virginia Brights Cigarettes. The card depicts two young boys, one wearing a straw hat, sitting on a wall, with the brand name prominently displayed at the top. This type of advertising, common in the late 19th century, used appealing imagery to target consumers and promote the brand. The card’s small size and intricate detail are characteristic of the era’s printmaking techniques, with its colorful illustration and simple composition making it a visually engaging piece. The card is a significant artifact from the history of advertising and tobacco production, showcasing the evolution of marketing strategies and the societal attitudes towards tobacco in the late 19th century.