Card 285, Miss Richardson, from the Actors and Actresses series (N45, Type 1) for Virginia Brights Cigarettes 1885 - 1891

"Card 285, Miss Richardson, from the Actors and Actresses series (N45, Type 1) for Virginia Brights Cigarettes," is a 19th century trade card featuring a bust portrait of an unidentified actress. The card was issued by Allen & Ginter, a tobacco company known for producing collectible cards, and is currently housed at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. These cards, a popular form of advertising in the late 19th century, are examples of ephemera and serve as a historical record of popular culture and consumerism of the time. The image is a simple, yet elegant, photographic reproduction, showcasing the popular style of portraiture common in the late 19th century.