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

This is "Eva Ward, from the Actors and Actresses series," a lithograph created by Allen & Ginter as a promotional card for Virginia Brights Cigarettes. The sepia tone gives the image a sense of nostalgia, while the composition draws us to the figure's theatrical pose. Her body is oriented as a set of contrasting angles. The slight tilt of her head to the right mirrors the elevated angle of her right leg. Note the curves of her arms that flow from the tambourine above her head down to her waist, framing the ruffles of her short skirt. The soft gradations of the lithographic medium contrast with the sharp lines of her striped blouse, focusing attention on her playful performance. The advertisement is interesting not just for its commercial purpose but also for how it negotiates cultural codes around celebrity, representation, and consumption in the late 19th century. The composition and the pose invites continued interpretation about the interplay between image, identity, and commerce.