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

This is a mounted photograph of Louise Paullin, made in the United States as part of a series of collectible cards for Virginia Brights Cigarettes. Tobacco companies began to include trade cards in their packaging as a way to promote brand loyalty. These cards often featured popular actresses, athletes, and other celebrities. These photographs weren't simply portraits, they were advertising tools, designed to link the consumer to the glamour and success of the depicted figure. Paullin’s serene gaze and fashionable attire presented an image of sophistication, subtly associating the Virginia Brights brand with a desirable lifestyle. While these cards seem innocuous, they offer a glimpse into the marketing strategies and celebrity culture of the late 19th century. To understand this image fully, we can explore archives of advertising history, theater and performance ephemera, and the business records of tobacco companies. This helps reveal the complex networks of commerce, celebrity, and consumerism that shaped our cultural landscape.