Belle Archer, from the Actors and Actresses series (N171) for Gypsy Queen Cigarettes 1886 - 1890

This photograph, "Belle Archer, from the Actors and Actresses series (N171) for Gypsy Queen Cigarettes," is a trade card featuring actress Belle Archer, a popular figure in the late 19th-century theater. The card was produced by Goodwin & Company, a New York-based company known for its trade cards depicting prominent figures of the time. The card features Archer in a sailor-style outfit, a popular fashion choice in the late 19th century. It is a sepia-toned photograph, typical of the era, and is now part of the collection at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City. The card is a prime example of the "trade card" genre, widely used in the 19th century to promote products and advertise brands. These cards are important historical artifacts reflecting popular culture, advertising trends, and fashion of the era.