Card Number 47, De Sotie, from the Actors and Actresses series (N145-1) issued by Duke Sons & Co. to promote Cross Cut Cigarettes 1880s

"Card Number 47, De Sotie" is a trade card from the "Actors and Actresses" series, issued by W. Duke, Sons & Co. in the 1880s to promote Cross Cut Cigarettes. This trade card, a popular form of advertising in the late 19th century, features a portrait of De Sotie, a prominent actress of the era. The card's sepia tone and simple composition are characteristic of the period. The image's small size and focus on De Sotie's face and form suggest that this trade card was intended for a wide audience, aiming to connect the actress's popularity with the brand's image. This card, now in the Metropolitan Museum of Art collection, offers a glimpse into the world of early American advertising and the cultural significance of tobacco during the late 19th century.