Fanny Davenport, from the Actresses and Celebrities series (N60, Type 2) promoting Little Beauties Cigarettes for Allen & Ginter brand tobacco products 1887

This 1887 trade card features a portrait of Fanny Davenport, a prominent American stage actress, created by Allen & Ginter. The card is part of the "Actresses and Celebrities" series, which was produced to promote "Little Beauties" cigarettes manufactured by Allen & Ginter. The image is a simple, yet elegant, portrait of Davenport in profile, showcasing her refined features and fashionable attire. This piece is a prime example of the intersection of 19th-century popular culture and early advertising techniques, connecting the allure of celebrity with the marketing of tobacco products. The card is a valuable artifact for understanding the cultural and historical significance of the tobacco industry in America.