Card Number 369, Miss Marie Willliams, from the Actors and Actresses series (N145-7) issued by Duke Sons & Co. to promote Duke Cigarettes 1880s

"Card Number 369, Miss Marie Williams" is a trade card from the "Actors and Actresses" series issued by W. Duke, Sons & Co. to promote Duke Cigarettes. Part of a larger series of trade cards, the artwork depicts actress Marie Williams, who would have been a famous figure in the 1880s. It showcases her in a casual pose, leaning against a tree, likely to promote a more relaxed and accessible image of Duke cigarettes. The image is a sepia-toned photograph, typical of the era, and serves as a reminder of the popularity of tobacco advertising during the late 19th century. The card, which is now housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, is a glimpse into the history of both American theater and advertising.