Card Number 219, Annie Primrose, from the Actors and Actresses series (N145-5) issued by Duke Sons & Co. to promote Cameo Cigarettes 1880s

This trade card features a portrait of actress Annie Primrose and was created by W. Duke, Sons & Co. to promote their Cameo Cigarettes brand in the 1880s. The black and white photograph depicts Primrose in a theatrical pose, likely from a play or performance. The card is a prime example of the use of celebrity endorsements in advertising. The card also highlights the popularity of cigarette smoking during this period. The Metropolitan Museum of Art houses this small-scale work, measuring just 6.8 × 3.5 cm.