Actress wearing striped bodice decorated with black and white pompoms, from Stars of the Stage, First Series (N129) issued by W. Duke, Sons & Co. to promote Honest Long Cut Tobacco 1890

This chromolithograph from 1890, part of the "Stars of the Stage" series, is a prime example of trade cards used for advertising in the late 19th century. The card, designed by W. Duke, Sons & Co. to promote their Honest Long Cut Tobacco, features a portrait of an actress in a dramatic pose, wearing a striking striped bodice adorned with black and white pompoms, echoing the popular fashion trends of the era. The vibrant colors and detailed rendering create a captivating visual, emphasizing the glamorous world of the stage and implicitly associating tobacco with this alluring lifestyle. The card is a valuable artifact of American social history, reflecting the intersection of advertising, entertainment, and consumer culture in the late 19th century.