From the Actors and Actresses series (N45, Type 5) for Virginia Brights Cigarettes 1885 - 1891

This is a carte-de-visite, a small photograph, featuring a woman in a dark dress. This image was produced by Allen & Ginter, a prominent tobacco company, as part of their "From the Actors and Actresses series" which they issued between 1885-1891. Allen & Ginter are best known for their trading cards, and these cartes-de-visite were likely included in their cigarette packs. These small prints were a popular way to share portraits of famous figures in the late 19th century. The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York houses this particular example.