Actress in profile leaning on ornate table, from the Actors and Actresses series (N145-1) issued by Duke Sons & Co. to promote Cross Cut Cigarettes 1880s

This 1880s trade card, designed by W. Duke, Sons & Co. to advertise their Cross Cut Cigarettes, depicts an actress in profile, leaning against an ornate table. The card is part of the “Actors and Actresses” series. The image is a black and white photograph, showcasing a popular form of advertising in the late 19th century. The subject's pose, combined with the elegant setting, creates an air of sophistication, suggesting that Cross Cut cigarettes were a refined choice. This trade card provides insight into the history of advertising and the evolution of cigarette marketing.