Card 435, Janisch, from the Actors and Actresses series (N45, Type 1) for Virginia Brights Cigarettes 1885 - 1891

This card from the Actors and Actresses series was made by Allen & Ginter for Virginia Brights Cigarettes. It’s a small, mass-produced object, made from paper with a photographic image printed on its surface. The card's material qualities speak directly to its purpose: it was designed to be collected and traded, a small token included with a purchase of cigarettes. Unlike a unique portrait, this image was made to circulate, one of many that promoted both the actress Janisch and the Virginia Brights brand. The company Allen and Ginter was based in Richmond, Virginia, and was one of the first to mass produce cigarettes using automated machinery, relying on largely unskilled labor. The image is a reminder of the complex relationship between art, commerce, and labor in the late 19th century. By examining the materials and means of production, we can appreciate how this humble card reflects larger social and economic forces at play.