Card Number 90, Lillian Russell, from the Actors and Actresses series (N145-2) issued by Duke Sons & Co. to promote Cross Cut Cigarettes 1880s

This is a trade card from the 1880s, depicting actress Lillian Russell. The card, part of the "Actors and Actresses" series, was issued by W. Duke, Sons & Co. to promote their Cross Cut Cigarettes. The card shows Russell in a casual pose, likely intended to appeal to a general audience, and exemplifies the use of celebrity endorsements in advertising. These cards were collected and traded, making them valuable historical artifacts and a window into the popular culture of the time.