Edith Pond, from the Actors and Actresses series (N45, Type 8) for Virginia Brights Cigarettes 1885 - 1891

"Edith Pond, from the Actors and Actresses series (N45, Type 8) for Virginia Brights Cigarettes" is a 19th-century trade card featuring a portrait of actress Edith Pond. This collectible card was produced by Allen & Ginter, a company known for their innovative tobacco cards. The portrait is a striking image of Pond in a theatrical costume, likely referencing a role she played. The card, now part of the Metropolitan Museum of Art's collection, showcases the popular trend of using celebrity images for advertising during the late 19th century. These cards, now considered valuable historical artifacts, offer a glimpse into the world of entertainment and consumerism of that era.