Card Number 382, Constance, from the Actors and Actresses series (N145-5) issued by Duke Sons & Co. to promote Cameo Cigarettes 1880s

This is a "trade card", a type of advertisement popular in the late 19th century. This card features a portrait of actress Constance, likely used to promote Duke's Cameo Cigarettes. The image, a black and white photograph, is framed by a torn edge, adding a sense of casualness to the piece. The card's simple design and straightforward message were intended to quickly catch the eye of potential customers and boost sales. This example is part of the Metropolitan Museum of Art's "Actors and Actresses" series, a collection of trade cards issued by W. Duke, Sons & Co. in the 1880s.