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

This monochrome photograph, "Mable Clark," is part of a series of trading cards issued by the tobacco company W. Duke, Sons & Co. from 1890 to 1895. These cards, featuring images of famous stage actors and actresses, were included in packs of Duke cigarettes to promote the brand. The image of Mable Clark, a well-known performer, is a simple, yet effective, portrait depicting her in a theatrical pose. This type of promotional artwork, known as "trade cards," was popular in the late 19th century and is a valuable artifact of the era. The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York currently houses this small, but significant, piece.