Josie A. Hall, from the Actors and Actresses series (N171) for Old Judge Cigarettes 1886 - 1890

This is a trading card from the "Actors and Actresses" series produced by Goodwin & Company for Old Judge Cigarettes. The card depicts Josie A. Hall, a popular stage actress of the late 19th century, in a posed portrait. The card is a prime example of the "trade card" genre, a type of advertising used in the late 19th century, and highlights the popularity of collectible ephemera in the Victorian era. The sepia-toned image is reminiscent of vintage photography, and the small size of the card indicates its intended use as a collectible item. This card is currently housed at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York.