Miss Fortes, from the Actors and Actresses series (N145-8) issued by Duke Sons & Co. to promote Duke Cigarettes 1890 - 1895

"Miss Fortes," a sepia-toned photograph from the "Actors and Actresses" series, was created by W. Duke, Sons & Co. between 1890 and 1895 as a promotional piece for Duke Cigarettes. This small, rectangular card, measuring just 2 11/16 × 1 3/8 in., features a portrait of the actress, "Miss Fortes," captured in a simple, direct style, common for trade cards of the period. The image, now part of the Metropolitan Museum of Art's collection, is a fascinating artifact from the late 19th century, showcasing the use of celebrity endorsements in advertising and offering a glimpse into the world of early American theater.