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

This trade card, part of the Actors and Actresses series by Allen & Ginter, features a portrait of the actress Minnie Maddern. The card was produced between 1885 and 1891 as a promotional item for Virginia Brights Cigarettes. The card depicts Maddern in a theatrical costume, showcasing a popular form of advertising in the late 19th century. The card is a prime example of a "trade card," a collectible item with historical significance for collectors of ephemera. The card is currently on display at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York.