May Harold, from the Actors and Actresses series (N45, Type 8) for Virginia Brights Cigarettes 1885 - 1891

This is a carte de visite, a type of small photograph popular in the 19th century, featuring actress May Howard. It was produced as part of the "Actors and Actresses" series, a collection of trading cards issued by the Allen & Ginter company for Virginia Brights cigarettes. The image depicts Howard in a theatrical pose, her costume and expression hinting at her stage persona. These cards, now considered historical artifacts, offer a glimpse into the world of late 19th-century theater and the allure of the stage.