Marion Manola as "Bats and Rats," from the series Fancy Dress Ball Costumes (N73) for Duke brand cigarettes 1889

This chromolithograph, "Marion Manola as "Bats and Rats," from the series Fancy Dress Ball Costumes (N73) for Duke brand cigarettes," is a colorful and detailed depiction of actress Marion Manola dressed in a theatrical costume. Created in 1889 by W. Duke, Sons & Co. for a cigarette card series, the artwork showcases Manola wearing a red hat adorned with a rat and a bat resting on her chest. The image reflects the popular Victorian-era fascination with theatrical costumes and performance, serving as a reminder of the era’s social and cultural trends. The Metropolitan Museum of Art houses this small but significant piece of art history.