Card Number 252, Beatrice Cameron, from the Actors and Actresses series (N145-7) issued by Duke Sons & Co. to promote Duke Cigarettes 1880s

This is a trade card from the 1880s, created by W. Duke, Sons & Co. to promote their Duke Cigarettes. It features a portrait of actress Beatrice Cameron, part of a series of cards featuring actors and actresses. The card shows a close-up of Cameron’s face, she looks up, and her hair is curled and her face is framed by a large, ruffled hat. The card’s design uses a simple, almost photographic, style. The card is now part of the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s collection in New York City. This type of trade card was popular in the late 19th century, using the image of popular celebrities to attract customers.