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

This 1885-1891 photograph of actress Lettie Lyford was created by Allen & Ginter as part of their "Actors and Actresses" series for Virginia Brights Cigarettes. The card features a close-up portrait of Lyford, dressed in a light-colored blouse and head scarf, her gaze directed slightly upwards, creating a sense of anticipation. The image is typical of the trade cards of the period, utilizing a simple, straightforward composition to capture the likeness of the subject. The card is a valuable example of the use of celebrity imagery for commercial purposes during the late 19th century, serving as an advertisement for Virginia Brights Cigarettes. This small, yet significant image, is currently housed at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, New York.