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

This is a photograph of French actress Mlle. Sorel, one of a series of trading cards commissioned by Allen & Ginter, a tobacco company, between 1885 and 1891. The cards were given away as promotional material in packs of cigarettes. This particular card, "Mlle. Sorel, from the Actors and Actresses series (N45, Type 8) for Virginia Brights Cigarettes" is a sepia-toned image with a light and faded look. The image is a simple headshot of Mlle. Sorel wearing a large hat. These trading cards were a popular form of collecting in the late 19th century and provide a glimpse into the visual culture of the time. The cards are now collected by art and history enthusiasts.