French Dancer in Babes in the Wood, from the Actors and Actresses series (N45, Type 8) for Virginia Brights Cigarettes by Allen & Ginter

French Dancer in Babes in the Wood, from the Actors and Actresses series (N45, Type 8) for Virginia Brights Cigarettes 1885 - 1891

drawing, print

portrait

drawing

toned paper

light pencil work

water colours

print

pencil sketch

possibly oil pastel

coloured pencil

underpainting

men

watercolour bleed

watercolour illustration

watercolor

This is a trading card featuring a French dancer from the 1885-1891 "Actors and Actresses" series published by Allen & Ginter for Virginia Brights Cigarettes. This series of collectible cards was quite popular at the time, and the cards are highly sought-after by collectors today. The card depicts a female dancer in a theatrical pose, wearing elaborate costume and headdress. The card is a sepia-toned photograph, printed on thin card stock. The card is now part of the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City. The image is a snapshot of 19th-century theatrical performance and popular culture.