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

This is a trade card from the Actors and Actresses series, created by W. Duke, Sons & Co. to promote Duke Cigarettes between 1890-1895. The card features a portrait of Mlle. Darcelle, an entertainer, likely a performer from the era. The black and white image captures her seated, wearing a decorative costume and hat. The trade card, measuring 2 11/16 × 1 3/8 in., is now part of the Metropolitan Museum of Art's collection in New York City. The card exemplifies the use of celebrity endorsements in advertising, a popular marketing strategy in the late 19th century.