Miss Bernise, from the Actresses series (N203) issued by Wm. S. Kimball & Co. 1889

"Miss Bernise," a cabinet card from the "Actresses" series issued by Wm. S. Kimball & Co. in 1889, features a posed portrait of the actress Bernese, likely a stage name. The image is reminiscent of the popular carte de visite format, showcasing a formal portrait of a woman in a fashionable white dress. This piece exemplifies the growing popularity of tobacco cards in the late 19th century, where images of prominent figures, like actresses, were used to promote cigarette brands. The card is an artifact of the early days of photography and serves as a window into the visual culture and entertainment scene of the late 19th century.