Jennie Brett, from the Actors and Actresses series (N171) for Gypsy Queen Cigarettes 1886 - 1890

This is a trade card from the "Actors and Actresses" series, created by Goodwin & Company in the late 19th century to promote Gypsy Queen Cigarettes. The card features Jennie Brett, a popular actress of the era, posed in a theatrical costume. The use of a photograph for this type of advertisement, as opposed to an illustration, reflects the growing popularity of photography in the late 19th century. The card’s simple design and direct image of the actress would have appealed to a wide audience, further promoting the brand and its association with popular culture. The card is currently housed at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City.