Mlle. Daireaux, from the Actors and Actresses series (N45, Type 8) for Virginia Brights Cigarettes 1885 - 1891

This albumen silver print of Mlle. Daireaux comes from a series made by Allen and Ginter, originally inserted into packs of Virginia Brights Cigarettes. The photograph is a product of industrial capitalism, mass-produced as a collectible item to entice consumers. It's worth considering the labor involved in producing not just the photograph, but the cigarettes themselves – from tobacco farming to factory production. The image itself is carefully composed, showcasing Mlle. Daireaux in fashionable attire, complete with hat and fur details. The monochromatic tone and soft focus give it a romantic quality. The choice of albumen silver print, a popular photographic process at the time, speaks to the era's fascination with capturing and disseminating images. The card format also makes the actress accessible, and reproducible. Understanding its original context as a marketing tool changes how we view the image. The cigarette card reminds us that art and commerce have often been intertwined.