From the Actors and Actresses series (N45, Type 5) for Virginia Brights Cigarettes 1885 - 1891

This calling card-sized photograph was produced by Allen & Ginter for Virginia Brights Cigarettes. It's a mass-produced object, made possible by photography, and of course, the industrial manufacture of cigarettes themselves. The image is a reminder that even materials like paper, ink, and photographic emulsion have their own qualities of texture, weight, and color that affect how we see the world. The sepia tone gives this photograph a sense of warmth and nostalgia, yet its original context was pure commerce. Consider how this image circulated: inserted into a pack of cigarettes as a marketing gimmick. It speaks volumes about the culture of celebrity, the nature of consumption, and the relentless pursuit of profit in the late 19th century. By examining everyday items like this, we can gain a deeper understanding of the relationship between art, industry, and society.