Card 298, Annie Pixley, from the Actors and Actresses series (N45, Type 1) for Virginia Brights Cigarettes 1885 - 1891

This is a trade card of Annie Pixley from the Actors and Actresses series, created by Allen & Ginter for Virginia Brights Cigarettes. The sepia tone of the card lends a nostalgic feel, enveloping the image in a uniform aged warmth. Pixley is adorned with an ornate floral dress, parasol and fan which creates a composition of repeating organic shapes that draw the eye across the frame. The composition is balanced and demonstrates the cultural codes in the late 19th century, in which the female form was often captured amidst symbols of beauty and delicacy. The layering of textiles and patterns—from the ruffles on her dress to the lace of her parasol—juxtapose the soft forms of the figure. Consider the interplay between the organic, ornate qualities of the dress and the geometric fan, against the backdrop, creating a dialogue between nature and artifice. This is a visual exploration of representation and a reflection of the aesthetic values of its time.