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

"Miss Vernon" is a collectible trade card from the "Actors and Actresses" series produced by Allen & Ginter for Virginia Brights Cigarettes between 1885 and 1891. The card features a sepia-toned photograph of the actress, Miss Vernon, in a simple, low-cut dress, her hair styled in a fashionable updo with a bow. The card is a prime example of the "cigarette card" genre, popular in the late 19th century. These cards were often collected by consumers, and they feature a wide array of subjects, including celebrities, athletes, and historical figures. The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, houses this small but significant piece of American social history.