Lydie Borel, Paris, from the Actors and Actresses series (N45, Type 1) for Virginia Brights Cigarettes 1885 - 1891

This carte de visite, part of the "Actors and Actresses" series, is a promotional image for Virginia Brights Cigarettes. The black-and-white photograph depicts Lydie Borel, a Parisian performer, holding a glass of liquid. Created between 1885 and 1891 by Allen & Ginter, this collectible card is an example of trade cards, a popular marketing strategy of the late 19th century. The card's small size and simple composition made it easy to distribute and collect. Today, it is part of the Metropolitan Museum of Art's collection, showcasing the intersection of art, advertising, and popular culture.