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

This is a photograph printed by Allen & Ginter as part of a series of promotional trading cards for Virginia Brights Cigarettes. Produced in the United States during the late 19th century, the image offers a glimpse into the cultural landscape of the time, where the burgeoning advertising industry began to intertwine with popular entertainment. The card features an actress, posed in what seems to be a theatrical costume, cigarette in hand. This was a period marked by a growing fascination with celebrity culture and an increasing visibility of women in public life. The association of actresses with a product like cigarettes speaks volumes about the marketing strategies employed to appeal to a broad audience. To fully understand the image, we can explore playbills, theatre advertisements, and social commentaries of the period. This illuminates the complex interplay between commerce, representation, and the evolving role of women in American society. What we see in this image is a testament to the power of cultural context in shaping our understanding of art.