Card Number 212, Fanny Rice, from the Actors and Actresses series (N145-1) issued by Duke Sons & Co. to promote Cross Cut Cigarettes 1880s

This is a "trade card," a type of advertising card, from the 1880s featuring Fanny Rice, an American actress and comedian. The card was produced by W. Duke, Sons & Co. to promote their Cross Cut cigarettes. The image depicts Rice in a theatrical pose, likely a snapshot from a performance. The card is an example of early advertising that utilized celebrity endorsements to promote products. These cards were often collected and traded, offering a glimpse into the culture of the time. The card is part of a larger series, "Actors and Actresses," and is housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art.