Maggie Mitchell in "Shadow Dance", from the Actresses and Celebrities series (N60, Type 1) promoting Little Beauties Cigarettes for Allen & Ginter brand tobacco products 1887

This is a trade card from the Allen & Ginter brand that was used to promote their "Little Beauties" cigarettes. The image is of Maggie Mitchell, a famous actress of the late 19th century, performing a scene from the play "Shadow Dance." The card was printed in 1887. This type of card is an example of ephemera, a term used to describe items that were intended for temporary use. Trade cards were given out to consumers to encourage them to purchase the product being advertised. This card is currently in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.