Card Number 136, Lillian Russell, from the Actors and Actresses series (N145-2) issued by Duke Sons & Co. to promote Cross Cut Cigarettes 1880s

This trade card, part of the "Actors and Actresses" series, features a portrait of Lillian Russell, a famous American actress and singer, in the 1880s. The card was created by W. Duke, Sons & Co. to promote their brand of Cross Cut Cigarettes. The image presents Russell in a glamorous, theatrical pose, adorned with an elaborate headdress, necklace, and a low-cut, embellished gown. The card's dimensions are small, measuring 2 5/8 x 1 7/16 inches, but its impact as a collectible and a piece of theatrical history is significant. The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City holds this unique card, offering a glimpse into the world of turn-of-the-century advertising and popular culture.