Miss Langtry, from the Actresses series (N203) issued by Wm. S. Kimball & Co. 1889

This small card depicting Miss Langtry was printed by the cigarette company, William S. Kimball & Co. It is a product of mass production, made using industrial printing techniques on thin paper stock. These cards were not conceived as high art but rather as promotional items included in cigarette packs, a tactic to boost sales. The image itself, likely derived from a photograph, is rendered with a focus on clarity and appeal, meant to capture the actress’s beauty and charm. The printing quality is straightforward, without any artistic flourishes. What is fascinating is how this humble object collapses the distance between celebrity, commerce, and consumption. It reflects the late 19th century’s burgeoning culture of mass media and advertising, where images of public figures became readily accessible and circulated widely. Considering this card, it's a reminder that even seemingly disposable items can offer insight into the social and economic forces at play during their time.