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

This is a "trade card" from the "Actors and Actresses" series, produced by Allen & Ginter between 1885 and 1891 to promote Virginia Brights Cigarettes. The card features a portrait of actress Mollie Powers, dressed in an elaborate costume. The image is a black and white photograph, printed on card stock, and is typical of the style used for these trade cards. The small size of the card and the focus on a single subject were typical of the time and allowed for easy distribution. The card is currently housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art.