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

This is a trade card from the *Actors and Actresses* series, produced by Allen & Ginter in the late 19th century. The series featured images of popular stage performers, including Eva Ward, a well-known actress of the time. These cards were given away with packages of Virginia Brights Cigarettes, a popular brand at the time. They were printed in sepia tones on small cards and are considered to be examples of *carte de visite* photography, a popular style in the 19th century. This particular card features a portrait of Eva Ward, and it's likely from the 1880s. While the card is a small image, it captures Ward's dramatic presence and the elegant style of the era. The image is a captivating representation of the era’s fascination with theatre and its celebrated figures.