Card 1093, from the Actors and Actresses series (N45, Type 2) for Virginia Brights Cigarettes 1885 - 1891

This is a photograph, “Card 1093, from the Actors and Actresses series (N45, Type 2) for Virginia Brights Cigarettes,” made by Allen & Ginter. The sepia tone and small format create a sense of intimacy, focusing attention on the subject’s face and the drape of fabric across her body. The composition is simple, with the actress positioned centrally, her gaze directed slightly upward. The texture of the print itself, aged and slightly worn, adds another layer to the viewing experience. The formal elements, in their simplicity, speak to a larger cultural moment. The careful arrangement of light and shadow serves to highlight her features, conforming to standards of beauty. The advertisement suggests a semiotic relationship between actress, cigarette, and consumer. Consider how the photograph functions as a signifier, not just of an individual, but of aspirations and desires circulating within the cultural landscape. The photograph invites us to reflect on the interplay between image, commerce, and the construction of identity.