Card Number 15, cut-out from banner advertising the Opera Gloves series (G29) for Allen & Ginter Cigarettes 1885 - 1895

This is Card Number 15 from Allen & Ginter's Opera Gloves series, a lithograph advertisement included in cigarette packs during the late 19th century. It’s a peculiar image, isn’t it? A gloved hand holds a portrait of a woman in profile. In an era defined by burgeoning consumer culture, this card reflects a distinct social dynamic. Cigarette companies like Allen & Ginter used such cards to promote their products and cultivate brand loyalty. The "Opera Gloves" series suggests a connection between smoking and high society, luxury, and refinement. It's a subtle manipulation, associating a habit with aspirations of elegance. Moreover, the card offers insight into the cultural values of the time. The woman's demure pose and elaborate hairstyle reflect prevailing standards of feminine beauty and decorum. We can research periodicals and social commentaries from the late 1800s to understand the values and aspirations of the era.