Carrie Richardson/ Josie Dirkee, Erminie Co./ Fannie Batchelder/ Laura Curtis, Corsair Co., from the Actors and Actresses series (N45, Type 4) for Virginia Brights Cigarettes 1885 - 1891

This small card, made by Allen & Ginter for Virginia Brights Cigarettes, features actresses and was printed using photolithography. This technique allowed for mass production, which was essential for distributing these cards widely within cigarette packs. The material – thin, glossy paper – speaks to the ephemeral nature of both celebrity and consumption. Photolithography enabled the inexpensive reproduction of images, turning them into collectible commodities. The actresses, carefully posed and presented, were themselves products of a burgeoning entertainment industry, their images circulated to promote not just themselves but also the Virginia Brights brand. The card’s small size meant it could be easily included in a pack of cigarettes, encouraging repeat purchases. The printing process, and the distribution strategy, reflect the growing industrialization and commercialization of leisure in the late 19th century. Ultimately, this card transcends its function as mere advertising. It shows the intricate relationship between art, industry, and celebrity culture, blurring the lines between fine art and everyday life, and reminding us of the labor and processes that underpin even the smallest objects.