Card Number 191, Leila Farrell, from the Actors and Actresses series (N145-6) issued by Duke Sons & Co. to promote Duke Cigarettes 1880s

This is a trade card from the Actors and Actresses series issued by W. Duke, Sons & Co., a tobacco company, in the 1880s. The card features a portrait of Leila Farrell, a well-known actress of the time, wearing a costume and holding a sword, suggesting a theatrical performance. The image was likely printed to promote Duke Cigarettes, using the popularity of actors and actresses to appeal to consumers. The card is a fascinating glimpse into 19th-century advertising practices and popular culture. The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City currently houses this card, along with many other artifacts from the 19th century.