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

This is a carte-de-visite photograph of actress Annie Summerville, created by Allen & Ginter for their popular "Actors and Actresses" series of trading cards. The cards were produced as part of a promotional campaign for Virginia Brights Cigarettes, and were widely distributed during the late 19th century. The image, typical of the era, captures Summerville in a theatrical pose, her hand resting delicately upon her chin. The photograph is printed on a small card, measuring 2 3/4 x 1 3/8 inches, and is now in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.