Cora Tisch, 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, produced by Allen & Ginter to advertise Virginia Brights cigarettes. Cora Tisch was an actress in the late 19th century, her image is depicted in profile, which was a common pose for portraiture at this time. These cards were distributed with the cigarettes and were a popular collectible in the late 19th century. This example is a lithograph print, with light color wash adding a rosy tone to the actress's skin. The card is an example of *trade card advertising*, a genre popular at the time, and serves as a snapshot of visual culture at the turn of the 20th century.