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

This is a black and white photograph of actress May Paris, from the "Actors and Actresses" series of trading cards produced by Allen & Ginter for Virginia Brights Cigarettes in the late 19th century. The portrait depicts her leaning against a draped surface, a popular pose for many of these trading cards. This series was a marketing campaign for Virginia Brights cigarettes and included various actors and actresses of the time. The Metropolitan Museum of Art houses this small but significant piece of theatrical history.