Dutailly, Variettees, from the Actors and Actresses series (N45, Type 1) for Virginia Brights Cigarettes 1885 - 1891

This is a trade card from the "Actors and Actresses" series for Virginia Brights Cigarettes, featuring the performer Dutailly, a Variettee, who is dressed in a fashionable gown and holding a fan. The card, a sepia-toned photograph, was likely printed between 1885 and 1891 by Allen & Ginter, a well-known producer of tobacco cards during that era. Trade cards, like this one, were widely distributed during the 19th century as a form of advertising, and often featured popular figures of the time. They are now collectible items that provide a glimpse into the cultural landscape of the past.