Miss Van Oasten, from the Actors and Actresses series (N145-8) issued by Duke Sons & Co. to promote Duke Cigarettes 1890 - 1895

This sepia-toned photograph, part of the *Actors and Actresses* series, features Miss Van Oasten, a performer likely popular during the late 19th century. The image, created by W. Duke, Sons & Co. to promote Duke Cigarettes, captures Van Oasten in a theatrical pose, showcasing the fashion of the era. The photograph's simple composition, with the subject prominently displayed against a plain background, emphasizes the subject's costume, a likely theatrical or performance attire. The card format, typical of trading cards, suggests it was intended for widespread distribution and likely circulated widely among cigarette enthusiasts. The card provides a glimpse into the history of advertising and popular culture, particularly the connection between the world of theater and tobacco consumption during the late 19th century.