May Leicester, from the Actors and Actresses series (N45, Type 1) for Virginia Brights Cigarettes 1885 - 1891

This is a photograph of May Leicester, an actress of the 19th century, from the "Actors and Actresses" series of trading cards produced by Allen & Ginter between 1885 and 1891. The image depicts Leicester in a close-up portrait with her head resting on her hand, showcasing her elegant attire and the delicate beauty of the era. The card, typical of its kind, was included in packs of Virginia Brights Cigarettes, reflecting the popular practice of incorporating collectible cards into commercial products during the late 19th century.