Miss Lepie, from the Actresses series (N203) issued by Wm. S. Kimball & Co. 1889

This is “Miss Lepie,” a printed card made by Wm. S. Kimball & Co. The card is from a series of actresses, and was issued by the cigarette company as a promotional item. It’s a reminder that even seemingly ephemeral images are made using specific materials and techniques. Here, it's a mass-produced card, which relies on the then-new technologies of commercial photography and offset printing. These cards had a clear purpose: to promote cigarette sales. They were designed to be collected, traded, and displayed, encouraging brand loyalty. Note the texture and the sepia tone of the image. These qualities are due to the printing process used, and give the card a sense of age. The industrial production stands in contrast to the unique persona captured, highlighting the complex relationship between mass culture, individual identity, and consumption. So, next time you see a small, mass-produced image, remember to consider the material and the making process, as well as its wider context in a world of labor, politics, and commerce.