Laus, Eden, from the Actors and Actresses series (N45, Type 1) for Virginia Brights Cigarettes 1885 - 1891

This is a photographic trading card from the *Actors and Actresses* series by Allen & Ginter, a company that produced tobacco cards from 1885 to 1891. It features a portrait of *Laus Eden*, an actress, dressed in a formal, elaborate gown, and holds her hand up to her chin. The trading card, now held in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, is a prime example of the *carte de visite*, a photographic format popular in the late 19th century. This piece exemplifies the *trade card* style of artwork.