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

This is a trade card featuring a portrait of Mlle. Simond, an actress who was part of the Actors and Actresses series, issued by W. Duke, Sons & Co. between 1890 and 1895. The card was produced to promote Duke Cigarettes. The photo shows Mlle. Simond in a simple white blouse and a dark skirt, holding her hands together in a prayerful gesture. This card, now part of the Metropolitan Museum of Art's collection, is a small but fascinating glimpse into the advertising tactics and cultural trends of late 19th-century America.