William Purcell, The Rochester Union and Advertiser, from the American Editors series (N1) for Allen & Ginter Cigarettes Brands 1887

This small chromolithograph of William Purcell, editor of the Rochester Union and Advertiser, was produced by Allen & Ginter around 1888 as part of a series of collectible cards included in their cigarette packs. These cards offer insight into the late 19th century’s culture of celebrity and consumerism. Tobacco companies used such cards to stiffen cigarette packs and promote brand loyalty. But they also tapped into the era’s fascination with public figures, from actors and athletes to, as we see here, newspaper editors. Purcell’s stern portrait, framed by a miniature rendering of his newspaper’s masthead, speaks to the growing importance of print media in shaping public opinion and national identity. Understanding this image requires us to consider the rise of mass media, advertising, and celebrity culture in the Gilded Age. Researching newspaper archives, business records, and advertising ephemera can reveal the complex social and economic forces that shaped the production and consumption of such images. Ultimately, this card reminds us that art is always embedded in a specific social and institutional context.