Card 319, Lillian Russell, from the Actors and Actresses series (N45, Type 1) for Virginia Brights Cigarettes 1885 - 1891

This is a trade card of Lillian Russell from the Actors and Actresses series for Virginia Brights Cigarettes by Allen & Ginter. Note the warm monochrome palette; the image is bathed in sepia tones, creating a soft, almost dreamlike effect. The composition is dominated by the oval of Lillian Russell's face, framed by the broad curve of her hat, which draws the viewer's eye inward, a semiotic signifier of beauty and allure. The image is more than a portrait, it's a cultural artifact, emblematic of the era's obsession with celebrity and consumption. The actress’s gaze drifts downwards, perhaps shyly, suggesting a delicate passivity, while the commercial branding directly below, suggests something of a commodity on display. Consider how the structure of the card—image above, text below—mirrors a structure of looking and being looked at, inviting the viewer to contemplate the relationship between fame, desire, and the marketplace.