Rodrigues, from the Actors and Actresses series (N45, Type 7) for Dixie Cigarettes 1885 - 1891

This photograph of Rodrigues, part of the Actors and Actresses series, was likely made in a commercial studio, printed using industrial photographic processes. The sepia tone suggests a process involving chemical development and printing, typical of late 19th-century mass-produced images. The card's materiality speaks volumes about its purpose: it was a collectible item, included in Dixie Cigarettes packs. This positions the image within a broader context of consumer culture and mass production. The choice of a popular actress as the subject reflects the growing celebrity culture of the time, and the use of photography to disseminate images widely. Consider the labor involved – from the cultivation of tobacco to the printing of these cards. Though seemingly simple, this photograph connects to vast networks of production and consumption, blurring the lines between art, commerce, and everyday life. In the end, it also makes you wonder about what's omitted from the image - what was the life of Rodrigues like, and what labor did she have to perform?