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

This is a "trade card" from a series of cards featuring famous actors and actresses of the day. It was produced by Allen & Ginter, a company known for its tobacco products and collectible cards. This card features Maud Wentworth, a popular actress of the late 19th century. The card showcases a bust-length portrait of Wentworth in a simple, elegant pose. This is an example of "carte de visite" photography, a popular medium in the late 19th century. The image on this card was used to promote Virginia Brights Cigarettes, indicating the popularity of trade cards as advertising tools. The image is in the style of an albumen print, which is a photographic process that was popular in the 19th century. The card is small and rectangular in shape, a common format for collectible cards of the time.