Minnie Seligman, from the Actors and Actresses series (N145-8) issued by Duke Sons & Co. to promote Duke Cigarettes 1890 - 1895

This monochrome photograph, part of the "Actors and Actresses" series of trading cards issued by W. Duke, Sons & Co. to promote Duke Cigarettes, features Minnie Seligman, an actress of the late 19th century. The image, likely a reproduction of a studio portrait, showcases a close-up view of Seligman's face and upper torso. Her features are rendered with clarity, emphasizing her delicate facial structure and elegant style, typical of the era's portrait photography. This trading card is a unique historical artifact, showcasing the intersection of entertainment and tobacco advertising in the late 19th century. It was part of a larger series that capitalized on the popularity of stage actors and actresses to promote their product. The small size of the card (2 11/16 × 1 3/8 in.) further underlines its intended function as a collectible item for the consumer.