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

This card featuring Miss Thorndike was printed by Allen & Ginter, as part of a series of promotional cards for Virginia Brights Cigarettes. The sepia-toned photograph is printed on thin card stock, which was economical and easily mass-produced. The image itself is a study in contrasts: Miss Thorndike is dressed in elaborate garments with lace details, yet the photographic technique, while innovative for its time, flattens the image. The card’s smooth surface belies the complex processes involved in its creation, from photography and printing, to the labor involved in tobacco cultivation and cigarette production. These promotional cards were essentially freebies, included in cigarette packs to encourage repeat purchases. The mass production of these cards reflects the rise of consumer culture and the marketing strategies employed to entice consumers. By examining the materials and production of this seemingly simple card, we gain insight into the relationship between art, commerce, and society in the late 19th century.