Card 913, Lotta, from the Actors and Actresses series (N45, Type 2) for Virginia Brights Cigarettes 1885 - 1891

This is a "trade card," a type of advertisement popular in the late 19th century. Produced by Allen & Ginter, renowned for their tobacco cards, this particular card, part of the "Actors and Actresses" series, features Lotta, a popular American actress. The image depicts Lotta in a theatrical pose, likely from a stage production. These collectible cards, featuring prominent figures of the time, were often included in cigarette packs, helping to promote the brand, Virginia Brights Cigarettes. The card's small size, measuring 2 3/4 x 1 3/8 inches, hints at its intended use as a promotional tool, rather than a fine art piece. This card, now part of the Metropolitan Museum of Art's collection, provides a glimpse into the popular culture of the late 19th century and the unique relationship between advertising and collectibles.