Card Number 30, Violet Cameron, from the Actors and Actresses series (N145-2) issued by Duke Sons & Co. to promote Cross Cut Cigarettes 1880s

"Card Number 30, Violet Cameron" is a trade card from the "Actors and Actresses" series issued by W. Duke, Sons & Co. to promote Cross Cut Cigarettes in the 1880s. This monochrome photograph depicts a portrait of the actress Violet Cameron, likely taken from a staged performance. The card highlights the actress's dramatic appearance and the advertising text "Cross Cut Cigarettes Are the Best" emphasizes the tobacco company's product. The trade card serves as a valuable example of how companies used celebrity endorsements and product placement in the 19th century. The card is currently housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York City.