Card 672, Miss Morgan, from the Actors and Actresses series (N45, Type 1) for Virginia Brights Cigarettes 1885 - 1891

This is Card 672, Miss Morgan, from the Actors and Actresses series, a lithograph created by Allen & Ginter as an advertisement for Virginia Brights Cigarettes. It was made in an era where the rise of consumer culture met deeply ingrained social hierarchies. Here, Miss Morgan, a stage performer, gazes dreamily off to the side, her hands clasped demurely beneath her chin. This card, mass-produced and widely distributed, offers us a glimpse into the commodification of femininity and celebrity. During this period, a woman’s value was intrinsically tied to her beauty and social grace, attributes that were both celebrated and exploited in the burgeoning entertainment industry. Consider how this small card, once tucked into a pack of cigarettes, reflects the complex interplay of gender, class, and commerce in late 19th-century America. The image invited consumers to partake in a fantasy, where smoking a cigarette could connect them to the allure and status of actresses like Miss Morgan. The card serves as a reminder of how cultural icons are created, consumed, and ultimately, become part of the larger narrative of societal desire.