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

"Mlle. Bascort" is a carte de visite photograph from the "Actors and Actresses" series, created by Allen & Ginter between 1885 and 1891 as a collectible trade card for Virginia Brights Cigarettes. The black-and-white photograph features a seated Mlle. Bascort, a performer, in a simple pose, showcasing her elegant attire. The small, vertical format of the card is characteristic of the carte de visite genre, popular during the 19th century. Now housed at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, this card offers a glimpse into the world of late-19th-century theater and the marketing strategies of the time.