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

This is a "trade card" from the Actors and Actresses series, produced by Allen & Ginter between 1885 and 1891 to promote Virginia Brights Cigarettes. The card features a portrait of the actress Jean Harold, dressed in a white dress and hat, and is a prime example of the "carte de visite" genre of portrait photography. These small, inexpensive cards were popular in the late 19th century as a way to collect and share images of famous people. The Metropolitan Museum of Art houses this particular piece, which, measuring just 2 3/4 x 1 3/8 inches, reveals the intimate scale of these historical collectibles.