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

This is a carte-de-visite of actress Amy Lee from the *Actors and Actresses* series of trading cards produced by Allen & Ginter between 1885 and 1891 for Virginia Brights cigarettes. The photograph shows Lee reclining in a field of grass, wearing a hat and a dark dress with a patterned bodice. This image captures the popularity of collecting cards as a way to engage with popular culture in the late 19th century, as well as the use of cigarette cards for advertising purposes. The Metropolitan Museum of Art houses this small but valuable piece of theater history.