Mlle. Defailley, from the Actors and Actresses series (N45, Type 8) for Virginia Brights Cigarettes 1885 - 1891

"Mlle. Defailley" is a photographic portrait from the *Actors and Actresses series* (N45, Type 8) produced by Allen & Ginter for Virginia Brights Cigarettes between 1885 and 1891. The image is a close-up of Mlle. Defailley, an actress, posed against a blurry background. The sepia tone of the photograph and the simple composition are typical of trade cards from this period, often featuring actors, actresses, or other prominent figures. The small size of the card, measuring only 2 5/8 x 1 1/2 in. (6.6 x 3.8 cm), reflects its function as a collectible item distributed with cigarette packs. The card is currently housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City.