Josie Hall, from the Actors and Actresses series (N45, Type 1) for Virginia Brights Cigarettes 1885 - 1891

This is a trade card of Josie Hall from the Actors and Actresses series for Virginia Brights Cigarettes. The sepia tone creates a soft, almost dreamlike quality. The tight cropping focuses our attention on Hall’s profile, emphasizing the ornate details of her costume. Note the elaborate hat adorned with feathers and pearls, which frames her face and leads the eye down to the intricate lace collar. These elements, rendered with meticulous detail, contrast with the blurred background, creating depth and visual interest. The text at the bottom anchors the image, reminding us of its commercial purpose. The card functions as a signifier of both celebrity and consumer culture, reflecting the late 19th-century fascination with fame and the rise of mass advertising. In its original context, it was a collectible, a token of popular culture, and a symbol of the burgeoning celebrity industry. It invites us to consider how images circulate, create value, and shape our perceptions of beauty and success.