Card Number 5, Lillian Russell, from the Actors and Actresses series (N145-2) issued by Duke Sons & Co. to promote Cross Cut Cigarettes 1880s

This trade card, featuring actress Lillian Russell, was produced by W. Duke, Sons & Co. in the 1880s to promote their Cross Cut Cigarettes. The card is a sepia-toned photograph, presenting Russell in a close-up portrait, her face framed by a delicate lace veil, highlighting the popularity of actresses as promotional imagery in the late 19th century. These trade cards, known as "cigarette cards," were popular collectibles and served as early forms of advertising. The card is part of the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s collection in New York, New York.