Verbotene Fruchte, from the Actors and Actresses series (N45, Type 8) for Virginia Brights Cigarettes 1885 - 1891

"Verbotene Fruchte," meaning "Forbidden Fruit" in German, is a carte-de-visite from the "Actors and Actresses" series produced by Allen & Ginter for Virginia Brights Cigarettes. This 19th-century trade card features a photograph of two women, possibly actresses, with one reading a letter while the other rests her hand on her shoulder. The image reflects the popularity of theatrical portraiture and the use of trade cards as a marketing tool during the Victorian era. These collectible cards, often featuring famous figures or alluring imagery, served as advertisements and were widely distributed in the late 19th century. "Verbotene Fruchte" is a compelling example of a trade card's potential as an artistic object and a document of its time.