Mlle. Elsie, from the Actors and Actresses series (N45, Type 1) for Virginia Brights Cigarettes 1885 - 1891

"Mlle. Elsie" is a carte de visite, a type of small photograph popular in the 19th century. This particular example was part of a series of trading cards produced by Allen & Ginter, a prominent tobacco company, to advertise Virginia Brights Cigarettes. The image depicts a young woman, likely an actress, in a veil, offering a glimpse into the cultural landscape of the time when these collectible cards were prevalent. The card showcases the printing techniques used for these advertising cards and provides a window into the history of tobacco advertising in the United States.