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

This is a black and white photograph of a woman sitting on a stool. The photograph was part of a series created to advertise Duke Cigarettes. This carte de visite, as it is called, features the actress Mlle. Bascort, and was created sometime between 1890 and 1895. The photograph is part of the "Actors and Actresses" series of trade cards, part of a common practice during the 19th century to use celebrities to promote products. The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City houses the work.