Card 460, Topsy Vonn, from the Actors and Actresses series (N45, Type 7) for Dixie Cigarettes 1885 - 1891

This is "Card 460, Topsy Vonn," a photograph made in the late 19th century by Allen & Ginter for Dixie Cigarettes. The image shows Topsy Vonn, an actress, in what appears to be a theatrical costume. These cards were inserted into cigarette packs as a marketing strategy, capitalizing on the rising popularity of both tobacco and celebrity culture. Consider the social and economic context of the time: the late 1800s in the United States was a period of industrial expansion and the growth of consumer culture. Institutions like the entertainment industry were on the rise, creating new kinds of fame. Cigarette companies like Dixie Cigarettes took advantage of this by associating their products with glamorous figures. Further study into the cultural meanings of celebrity, the history of advertising, and the social impact of tobacco use would provide deeper insight into this image. Ultimately, its meaning is contingent on its social and institutional context.