Card Number 363, Myra Ward, from the Actors and Actresses series (N145-3) issued by Duke Sons & Co. to promote Cross Cut Cigarettes 1880s

This is a trade card from the Actors and Actresses series, issued by W. Duke, Sons & Co. to promote their Cross Cut cigarettes. The card depicts a bust-length portrait of actress Myra Ward, gazing thoughtfully at the viewer. It is part of a larger collection of trade cards featuring famous performers of the late 19th century. The cards were distributed by tobacco companies as a form of advertising, and became collectible items. The card measures 6.8 x 3.5 cm and is currently housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York.