Card Number 116, Mrs. Langtry, 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 Mrs. Langtry, a famous actress of the 1880s. The card was issued by W. Duke, Sons & Co. to promote their Cross Cut Cigarettes. The image depicts Mrs. Langtry in a theatrical pose, standing in an elaborate gown. The card’s simple design and black and white format are characteristic of trade cards from this era. The Metropolitan Museum of Art houses this small, yet significant, piece of advertising history.