K. Kidder, from the Actors and Actresses series (N45, Type 1) for Virginia Brights Cigarettes 1885 - 1891

This is a trade card from the "Actors and Actresses" series, created by Allen & Ginter between 1885 and 1891 to promote Virginia Brights Cigarettes. The card depicts a bust portrait of actress K. Kidder, and is a prime example of late 19th-century advertising. These cards, featuring popular personalities of the time, were collected by cigarette enthusiasts and served as a form of early brand promotion, showcasing the Virginia Brights brand. The card's dimensions are 2 3/4 x 1 3/8 inches and is currently housed at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York.