Card Number 743, Miss Bella Biltar, from the Actors and Actresses series (N145-3) issued by Duke Sons & Co. to promote Cross Cut Cigarettes 1880s

This trade card, featuring actress Miss Bella Biltar, was part of a series issued by W. Duke, Sons & Co. in the 1880s to promote their Cross Cut Cigarettes. These cards, known as "cigarette cards" or "trade cards", were a common form of advertising in the late 19th century, offering a glimpse into popular culture and entertainment of the time. The card's simple composition, featuring a portrait of Miss Biltar against a plain background, effectively highlights the subject and the brand's name. This piece from the Metropolitan Museum of Art is a testament to the evolution of advertising and a reminder of the role of entertainment in everyday life.