Mlle. Landeline, from the Actors and Actresses series (N145-8) issued by Duke Sons & Co. to promote Duke Cigarettes 1890 - 1895

This sepia-toned photograph titled "Mlle. Landeline" is part of the "Actors and Actresses" series, produced by W. Duke, Sons & Co. to promote their Duke Cigarettes between 1890 and 1895. The image features a woman in a theatrical costume, likely a stage actress, holding a long, slender object resembling a staff or a prop. The photograph's aesthetic reflects the era's interest in capturing the glamour and personalities of performers. This collectible card, now housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, is a fascinating glimpse into the marketing strategies and popular culture of late 19th-century America.