Card 529, Leslie Chester, from the Actors and Actresses series (N45, Type 1) for Virginia Brights Cigarettes 1885 - 1891

This small card, featuring actress Leslie Chester, was printed by Allen and Ginter for Virginia Brights Cigarettes, sometime in the late 19th century. At just a few inches in size, this photograph was mass-produced using photomechanical techniques. Instead of being sold as art, it was included in cigarette packs as a collectible. The sepia-toned image of Leslie Chester would have been appealing to consumers, and tobacco companies were the first to recognize the power of celebrity endorsements. The card bridges the gap between fine art and commercial ephemera. While the image itself may seem simple, the labor and resources required to produce and distribute millions of these cards speaks to the rise of consumer culture and the mass media. Looking at this object, we can think about the role of photography, printing, and distribution in shaping our perceptions of beauty and fame. And we can see how even seemingly disposable items can offer valuable insights into the social and economic forces that shape our world.