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

This is a promotional card for Duke Cigarettes featuring Vesta Victoria, a popular English music hall performer. The card is part of the "Actors and Actresses" series, issued between 1890 and 1895. The image captures Vesta Victoria in a standing pose, wearing a long, striped dress and a hair bow. This type of card was a common marketing technique in the late 19th century, often used to promote various products through associating them with popular figures. The Metropolitan Museum of Art houses this small yet intriguing artifact, offering a glimpse into the history of advertising and the popularity of music hall performances.