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

This is a "trade card" from the late 19th century featuring the actress Addie Walton. The card was produced by Allen & Ginter, a tobacco company, as part of their popular series of cards featuring actors and actresses. The card, printed in brown tones, depicts a full-length portrait of Addie Walton, standing in a pose typical of the era, with her right hand on her chest and her left hand on her hip. The card is a prime example of "trade cards" as a form of advertising in the late 19th century. These cards were popular collectibles, and their use of images of popular actors and actresses helped to promote the Virginia Brights cigarette brand. The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY, has a copy of this card, along with others from the series.