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

This carte-de-visite, part of the "Actors and Actresses" series for Virginia Brights Cigarettes, features Daisy Hall, a prominent actress of the late 19th century. The photograph, produced by Allen & Ginter between 1885 and 1891, captures Hall's likeness in a simple, yet elegant pose. The image, printed on a small sheet of paper, exemplifies the popular collecting craze of the time, where trade cards often featured portraits of notable figures. The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York currently holds this piece of ephemera, showcasing a glimpse into the cultural significance of tobacco advertising and theatrical performance during the Victorian era.