Jane Hading, Paris, from the Actors and Actresses series (N45, Type 1) for Virginia Brights Cigarettes 1885 - 1891

This 19th-century trade card, part of the "Actors and Actresses" series for Virginia Brights Cigarettes, features a portrait of the French actress Jane Hading. Produced by Allen & Ginter, the card showcases Hading in a formal dress, standing alongside two dogs. The card, measuring 2 3/4 x 1 3/8 inches, is a prime example of collectible ephemera from the era. These cards, often featuring popular personalities, served as a form of advertising for the tobacco company. The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City houses this piece, showcasing the intricate details of the late 19th-century printing and the intriguing world of trade cards.