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

This is a *trade card*, a type of advertisement popular in the 19th century. It is a *carte de visite* of Lillian Russell, a famous American actress and singer, created by Allen & Ginter for their *Actors and Actresses* series of Virginia Brights Cigarettes. The sepia-toned photograph depicts Russell in a formal pose, wearing an elaborate feathered hat and a luxurious gown adorned with decorative chains. This card was part of a larger collection of images promoting Virginia Brights, and highlights the company’s association with popular culture.