Card 897, Emma Carson, from the Actors and Actresses series (N45, Type 2) for Virginia Brights Cigarettes 1885 - 1891

This is a "trade card" or "cigarette card," a popular collectible in the late 19th century. Printed by Allen & Ginter, the card features a portrait of Emma Carson, an actress from the Actors and Actresses series. The card was produced between 1885-1891 to be included in packs of Virginia Brights cigarettes. The card features a black and white photograph of Carson in a formal pose, and her name is inscribed at the bottom. The card, now in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, is a great example of a historical artifact that showcases popular culture and advertising practices of the late 19th century.