Josie Hall, 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, featuring actress Josie Hall. It was created to advertise Virginia Brights Cigarettes, which was a popular brand at the time. The trade card depicts Hall in a fashionable pose, likely during a performance, holding a peacock feather fan. These cards were highly collectible and often featured prominent actors and actresses of the era, reflecting the growing popularity of theater and the rise of celebrity culture. This card, now part of the Metropolitan Museum of Art's collection, is a small but fascinating glimpse into 19th-century advertising and entertainment.