Florence St. John, from the Actors and Actresses series (N45, Type 1) for Virginia Brights Cigarettes 1885 - 1891

Editor: This is a portrait of Florence St. John, dating from between 1885 and 1891. It’s part of the Actors and Actresses series made for Virginia Brights Cigarettes, a promotional print. I’m struck by how this seemingly delicate image was used as an advertisement. What do you see in this piece beyond its aesthetic qualities? Curator: It’s fascinating, isn't it? Here we see the convergence of celebrity culture, burgeoning consumerism, and evolving image-making technologies. These cigarette cards were essentially early forms of advertising, using the popularity of stage actresses to promote a product, blurring the lines between art, commerce, and societal values. Editor: So, it's less about the artistic merit of the portrait itself, and more about what it represents within a broader social context? Curator: Exactly. Consider the political implications, for example. This mass-produced image disseminated a certain ideal of beauty and femininity, contributing to the construction of social norms. Who was included, and excluded, from these images? How did it shape perceptions of gender and class? These cards played a role in reinforcing or challenging existing social hierarchies. Editor: I hadn’t thought of it that way. It’s amazing how a seemingly simple portrait on a cigarette card can open up such a complex web of cultural and historical factors. I guess art truly reflects and influences society. Curator: Precisely. These objects are more than just portraits; they are historical documents offering insights into a particular moment in time, revealing the intricate relationship between art, commerce, and social identity. Hopefully that will give people something to consider when they view the piece.