[Actress cradling small dog], from the Actors and Actresses series (N145-8) issued by Duke Sons & Co. to promote Duke Cigarettes 1890 - 1895

This sepia-toned photograph, part of the "Actors and Actresses" series promoting Duke Cigarettes, captures an actress cradling a small dog in her arms. Created by W. Duke, Sons & Co. between 1890 and 1895, the card's simple composition, featuring a woman in a fashionable dress against a plain backdrop, epitomizes the style of trade cards from this era. The card's small size and intimate subject matter suggest a personal appeal to collectors, while its connection to Duke Cigarettes speaks to the growing use of advertising to reach a mass audience. The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City houses this evocative piece, a testament to the cultural significance of both acting and tobacco products in late 19th century America.